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Mission, Vision, Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As one of the world’s great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

Over our 175-year history, LSA has been a world leader in research and delivering an extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education. Along the way, we have invented approaches that have changed higher education and the world. Today, the world faces challenges as daunting and complex as it has ever seen. What is the role of LSA and the liberal arts now? What must be our priorities, and how will we achieve them? Our vision, mission, and core values will serve as guideposts and practical tools as we write the college’s next chapters.

We are a diverse intellectual community, working together to reimagine the world and create positive, purposeful change.

As a public liberal arts college, LSA’s mission is twofold: 

  • To push the boundaries of what is understood about human experience and the natural world, and 

  • To foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

Exploration. We believe in bold investigation that transforms current assumptions, sparks new ideas, and changes the very questions we ask.

Common Good. We are committed to social impact, working together to advance a more just and sustainable future.

Inclusion. We actively work to increase access, welcome different perspectives, and build a community where each person feels a sense of purpose and belonging.

Well-being. We recognize that taking care of ourselves and one another is a shared responsibility, and that everyone needs support to thrive.

Integrity. We align our actions with our collective values and a steadfast commitment to ethical practice.

Encourage genuine academic exploration. Expand opportunities for undergraduate students to explore the full range of what the liberal arts offer, including robust participation in research.

Mobilize to address pressing societal challenges. Leverage our strength across fields to amplify the impact of path-breaking research and collaborations that lead to positive, purposeful change in the world.

Lead systemic change. Confront the biases and barriers that impede full inclusion - and hold ourselves accountable for their dismantling, both within LSA and more broadly through public scholarship and community engagement.

Foster a culture of purpose and well-being. Transform our practices and processes to better support each individual’s ability to reflect on their work and learning, focus on the work that matters most, and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

In an effort to support and strengthen the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts’ powerful public service mission, Dean Rosario Ceballo is working closely with groups from across the College and the University of Michigan to advance the following strategic priorities, designed to position LSA for a vibrant and innovative future:

Promote the value and importance of a liberal arts and sciences education. 

Expand support and resources for first-generation students.

Incentivize interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Foster a culture of purpose and well-being.

Prioritize respectful debate, disagreement, and dialogue across differences.

 

 

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