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The University's mission and core values: Notice

In the Michaelmas Term 1999 the Council and the General Board commenced a review of the University's mission in consultation with a wide range of University and College bodies. There was a substantial response to this consultation for which the central bodies are most grateful. In the light of this response, and of the requirements of the Higher Education Funding Council for England for the submission of planning documents, a revised version of the University's Strategic Plan is currently being developed through the Planning and Resources Committee.

The Council are of the view that it would assist the preparation of the Strategic Plan to have the views of members of the Regent House on the statement of the University's mission and core values as set out below. For this purpose the statement will be put up for consideration at the Discussion to be held on 10 July 2001. In the light of the views expressed at the Discussion, the central bodies will proceed with drafting the Strategic Plan for the next five years in a manner consistent with the statement.

UNIVERSITY MISSION AND CORE VALUES

Statement of 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 particularly values:

Research and scholarship

• broad subject coverage
• strong support for individual researchers as well as research groups
• the close inter-relationship between teaching, research, and scholarship

Teaching

• an extensive portfolio of academic subjects in all major subject groups
• quality and depth of provision across all subjects
• residence in Cambridge as central to most courses
• education which enhances the ability of students to learn throughout life
• the opportunities for participation in sport, music, drama, the visual arts, and other cultural activities

Its relationship with society

• the place of the University within the broader academic and local community
• the contribution which the University can make to society through the pursuit, dissemination and application of knowledge
• the opportunities for partnership with business, industry, commerce, charitable foundations, and healthcare
• concern for sustainability and the relationship with the environment
• the widest possible student access to the University

The Collegiate University

• the relationship between the University and the Colleges as fundamental to the nature of Cambridge
• the interdisciplinary nature of the Colleges as a major stimulus to teaching, learning, and research
• the enhanced quality of experience for students through College membership
• the opportunities for many staff to share in the Collegiate experience as members or Fellows of Colleges

University staff

• recognition and reward of the University's staff as its greatest asset
• the encouragement of career development for all staff
• academic freedom to research and teach widely
• freedom from discrimination

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Cambridge University Reporter, 13 June 2001
Copyright © 2001 The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.