Mission, Vision, and Values

University of Wisconsin System Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Wisconsin System is to develop human resources, to discover and disseminate knowledge, to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses, and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and humane sensitivities, scientific, professional and technological expertise, and a sense of purpose. Inherent in this broad mission are methods of instruction, research, extended training, and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the UW System is the search for truth.

The Comprehensive Core Mission of the University Cluster Institutions

As institutions in the University Cluster of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the University of Wisconsin-Stout, the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater operate under a shared core mission.

Mission of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh provides a high-quality liberal education to all of its students in order to prepare them to become successful leaders in an increasingly diverse and global society. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to innovative teaching, research, economic development, entrepreneurship and community engagement to create a more sustainable future for Wisconsin and beyond. High quality academic programs in nursing, education, business, social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, fine and performing arts, engineering technology, information technology, health sciences and applied and liberal studies—all delivered in an innovative and inclusive learning environment—lead to degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and professional doctorate levels.

Vision of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Meeting 21st century challenges by elevating human potential and creating sustainable solutions.

Core Values

  • Student Success
  • Inclusive Environment
  • Sustainability
  • Shared Governance
  • Community Partnerships
  • Creativity
  • Workplace Joy

The UW Oshkosh Student Learning Outcomes

UW Oshkosh prepares graduates who are talented, liberally educated, technically skilled global citizens and are fully engaged as leaders and participants in civic, economic, political and social life. The University fulfills its learning mission through a commitment to providing a 21st century liberal education that is grounded in a set of student learning outcomes unanimously adopted by the Faculty Senate on May 13, 2008.

Liberal education is a philosophy of education that empowers individuals with broad knowledge and transferable skills, and a strong sense of values, ethics, and civic engagement. These broad goals have been enduring even as the courses and requirements that comprise a liberal education have changed over the years. Characterized by challenging encounters with important and relevant issues today and throughout history, a liberal education prepares graduates both for socially valued work and for civic leadership in their society. It usually includes a general education curriculum that provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines and ways of knowing, along with more in-depth study in at least one field or area of concentration. [Source: Advocacy “What is a liberal education?”]

Focused by engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring

  • Through study in fine and performing arts, humanities, mathematics and science, and social science

Practiced extensively, across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects, and standards for performance

  • Identification and objective evaluation of theories and assumptions
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Written and oral communication
  • Quantitative literacy
  • Technology and information literacy
  • Teamwork, leadership, and problem solving

Developed through real-world challenges and active involvement with diverse communities

  • Knowledge of sustainability and its applications
  • Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
  • Intercultural knowledge and competence
  • Ethical reasoning and action
  • Foundations and skills for lifelong learning

Demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems [Note: Learning Outcomes are adapted from AAC&U report, College Learning for the New Global Century]

  • Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies