Mission, Vision, Guiding Principle, & Core Values

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower individuals to become thoughtful and engaged leaders who thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As a public university, Stockton creates an environment for academic excellence through inclusive, interdisciplinary, and hands-on educational experiences.

Vision Statement

We will thrive as a nationally recognized leader in public higher education, providing a diverse, inclusive, values-based, and student-centered environment of exceptional scholarship. As a trusted partner and catalyst for change, Stockton will drive the cultural and economic vitality of New Jersey and beyond through strong innovation, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to equity, community engagement, and sustainability.

Guiding Principle

At Stockton University, we uphold our Ethic of Care — treating every member of our community with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility.

Core Values

Excellence in Teaching and Dedication to Learning

We deliver an exceptional education that empowers students of all backgrounds to lead meaningful lives beyond graduation. Guided by a teacher-scholar model, our faculty and staff cultivate curiosity, innovation, and exploration across and within disciplines, both inside and beyond the classroom. We champion life-long learning through cutting-edge pedagogy, student-centered research, and the pursuit of scholarly and creative excellence across all disciplines.

Inclusivity and Diversity

We actively work to ensure equity and belonging. We embrace diverse identities, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We confront prejudice and systemic inequities. Through inclusive practices and an Ethic of Care, we enrich our University, strengthen our relationships, and prepare students to engage thoughtfully in a diverse, interconnected world.

Academic Freedom

We uphold academic freedom as the foundation of a vibrant intellectual community. We champion the open exchange of ideas, the pursuit of knowledge, and the right to explore complex and challenging questions with integrity, respect and rigor.

Integrity

We are committed to integrity, accountability, openness, and transparency to foster a healthy environment where everyone treats others with an Ethic of Care.

Shared Governance

We are committed to a collaborative model of shared governance. Transparency, accountability, and mutual respect inform decision-making. Through inclusive structures and active participation, we align strategic priorities with open dialogue, ensuring that all members of the University community have a voice in shaping our future, and that we engage in this work with shared goals and confidence in one another.

Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility

We believe in the power of education to drive positive change. We engage with local, regional and national communities through teaching, research and service to address critical challenges. Through partnerships, we create real-world impact and encourage all to become committed to the public good.

Global Perspectives

We foster global awareness and cultural fluency. We nurture informed citizens who engage across borders and advocate for global justice with empathy and insight.

Sustainability

We embrace sustainability as a core responsibility, integrated into our teaching, scholarship, planning, budgeting, and operations.

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For more information on Mission-Driven Planning, see our Strategic Planning website. For more information on official University guidelines, see our Policy and Procedure website.