A20: Vision, Mission and Value Statements

(Approved by the Regents, December 2001)

Vision Statement

UNM will build on its strategic resources:

• to offer New Mexicans access to a comprehensive array of high quality educational, research, and service programs,
• to serve as a significant knowledge resource for New Mexico, the nation, and the world; and
• to foster programs of international prominence that will place UNM among America's most distinguished public research universities.

Mission Statement

The University will engage students, faculty, and staff in its comprehensive educational, research, and service programs. UNM will provide students the values, habits of mind, knowledge, and skills that they need to be enlightened citizens, to contribute to the state and national economies, and to lead satisfying lives. Faculty, staff, and students create, apply, and disseminate new knowledge and creative works; they provide services that enhance New Mexicans' quality of life and promote economic development; and they advance our understanding of the world, its peoples, and cultures. Building on its educational, research, and creative resources, the University provides services directly to the City and State, including health care, social services, policy studies, commercialization of inventions, and cultural events.

Value Statement

The values of the individuals who teach, learn and work at UNM have shaped over time the values of the University. Our values provide a frame of reference for making decisions. They contribute to the general atmosphere of the University and then guide us in our teaching, our pursuit of knowledge and our public service.

Academic Freedom: As a center of knowledge, the University adheres to the doctrines of academic freedom and free speech. The University will continue to protect the exploration of ideas and will encourage inquiry and creative activity by students, faculty and staff. At the same time the University opposes statements and activities that reflect bigotry and prejudice and that consequently tend to diminish active participation by all elements of the academic community and to inhibit the free expression of ideas.

Diversity Within the Academic Community: The University values the diversity of its students, faculty, staff and the other people with whom it interacts. Our differences assure that the University is a forum for the expression, consideration and evaluation of ideas. The educational process on our campus is clearly enriched and strengthened by the fact that these ideas arise and are evaluated from such diverse perspectives.

Creativity and Initiative: The University moves forward in its academic programs, student support services, and other operations by encouraging and rewarding creativity and initiative among faculty, staff, and students.

Excellence: At the University, we value excellence in our people, in our programs, in our facilities. We have a responsibility to encourage and develop excellence among our faculty, staff and students. We are committed to be leaders.

Integrity and Professionalism: Integrity and ethical, professional behavior by all individuals associated with UNM are essential in order for students, faculty, staff and the public to have trust in the University.

Access and Student Success: We have a clear obligation to provide a quality higher education to all New Mexico students who have the capability to succeed. This obligation is combined with the responsibility to provide an environment and appropriate support to give every individual his or her best chance of success.