University of Pennsylvania

Mission Statement

Mission of the University The University of Pennsylvania's roots are in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy. But Penn's reach spans the globe. Faithful to the vision of the University's founder, Benjamin Franklin, Penn's faculty generate knowledge that is unconstrained by traditional disciplinary boundaries and spans the continuum from fundamental to applied. Through this new knowledge, the University enhances its teaching of both theory and practice, as well as the linkages between them. Penn excels in instruction and research in the arts and sciences and in a wide range of professional disciplines. Penn produces future leaders through excellent programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Penn inspires, demands, and thrives on excellence, and will measure itself against the best in every field or endeavor in which it participates. Penn is proudly entrepreneurial, dynamically forging new connections and inspiring learning through problem-solving, discovery-oriented approaches. Penn research and teaching encourage lifelong learning relevant to a changing global society. Penn is a major urban university that is committed to strength and vitality in each of its communities. In this connection, Penn will: Encourage, sustain, and reward its faculty; nurture, inspire, and challenge its students; and support and value its staff; Strengthen and appreciate the diversity of its communities; Support free expression, reasoned discourse, and diversity in ideas; Pursue positive connections to the city, state, and region and a mission of service to its neighbors in West Philadelphia; Develop and support its connections to alumni and friends; and Foster the growth of humane values.