Lakeland University Statement of Mission, Values, and Expectations

Mission

Lakeland University educates women and men of diverse backgrounds, preparing them to think critically, to communicate effectively, to succeed professionally, and to lead ethical, purposeful and fulfilling lives. Rooted in the values of the United Church of Christ, Lakeland integrates the liberal arts and experiential learning to develop the whole person for success in a dynamic, multi-faceted world.

Values

The values of Lakeland University are informed by its relationship with the United Church of Christ and continuing commitment to the liberal arts:

• Inquiry and Academic Excellence. We are a community committed to learning, discovery and creativity as ongoing endeavors. We maintain high standards of academic rigor and expectations for achievement that drive the acquisition and application of knowledge through the liberal arts and practical learning opportunities.
• Integrity and Responsibility. We are a community that is open, honest and ethical. We are accountable to ourselves, each other and the university to uphold the mission and values of the institution.
• Faith and Religious Expression. We are a community that values the study and exploration of faith and religious beliefs. We invite one another to investigate what it means to live a spiritual, meaningful and purposeful life.
• Diversity and Respect. We are a community that welcomes all people regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability or country of origin. We value differing backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints and accept our responsibility to treat each other with fairness, compassion and civility.
• Service and Stewardship. We are a community committed to socially responsible service at the institutional, local, regional, national and global levels. We embrace our role as caretakers of the resources of the institution and society.

Expectations

As a liberal arts university offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, Lakeland provides students with an education that is broad in scope, comprehensive in spirit, and focused in at least one area of study. Through its curricular and co-curricular programs, the educational experience is designed to prepare students who:

• communicate clearly in speech and writing;
• think critically and reason intelligently across disciplines;
• have acquired the capacity to solve problems through analysis and evaluation;
• have an understanding of the natural world through scientific inquiry;
• are aware of the historical, social, and cultural forces that shape the United States and the international community;
• have an understanding of Christian religious traditions, the role of religion in society and culture, and religious insights into ethics and values;
• have an appreciation and understanding of how the arts enrich life and contribute to culture; and
• are prepared to contribute to their chosen profession, to participate within their communities, and to continue to seek knowledge throughout their lives.