The University's mission and core values: Notice
12 November 2001
The Council have considered the remarks made by Dr Evans at the Discussion on 10 July 2001 (Reporter, 2000-01, p. 977). Most of the remarks concerned points which will be developed in greater detail in the University's Strategic Plan which the Council intend to publish for consideration by the Regent House in due course. In the meantime, and in response to some particular points made by Dr Evans, the Council wish to make clear their view that, as a major international university, Cambridge must operate within a global as well as within a national and local context; and that partnerships with outside bodies are crucial for the future well-being of the University given that there are many desirable activities which the University does not have the resources to pursue alone.
The Council are of the view that it would assist the preparation of the Strategic Plan if the Regent House were now to approve a statement of the University's mission and core values. The Council have given further consideration to the statement in the light of Dr Evans's remarks, and they have agreed to submit a Grace (Grace 6, p. 255) for the approval of the statement in the following amended form:
Mission
The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
Core values
The University's core values are as follows:
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freedom of thought and expression |
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freedom from discrimination |
Education
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the encouragement of a questioning spirit |
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an extensive range of academic subjects in all major subject groups |
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quality and depth of provision across all subjects |
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the close inter-relationship between teaching, scholarship, and research |
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strong support for individual researchers as well as research groups |
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residence in Cambridge as central to most courses |
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education which enhances the ability of students to learn throughout life |
The University's relationship with society
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the widest possible student access to the University |
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the contribution which the University can make to society through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge |
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the place of the University within the broader academic and local community |
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opportunities for innovative partnerships with business, charitable foundations, and healthcare |
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concern for sustainability and the relationship with the environment |
The Collegiate University
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the relationship between the University and the Colleges as fundamental to the nature of Cambridge |
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the interdisciplinary nature of the Colleges as a major stimulus to teaching and learning |
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the enhanced quality of experience for students and staff through College membership |
University staff
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recognition and reward of the University's staff as its greatest asset |
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the encouragement of career development for all staff |
Other activities
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the opportunities for broadening the experience of students and staff through participation in sport, music, drama, the visual arts, and other cultural activities |
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