The University of Oregon’s effort to revise its mission statement is entering the homestretch. The Office of the Provost has shared a new draft of the university mission statement on its website and, once again, asked the campus for its input.

The latest draft incorporates feedback from the UO Board of Trustees, faculty groups, comments from the Provost website, and other input. This follows a several month long process that started with campus forums and on-line input that generated two earlier drafts. In September, the UO Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee asked acting Provost Frances Bronet to further revise the mission statement. The Office of the Provost worked with the Office of the President and Academic Affairs to write this third version.

Like the missions of many public research universities, the UO’s mission focuses on discovery, teaching and service. Acting Provost Frances Bronet says what makes the UO unique is how we pursue this mission. 

“The mission statement very intentionally states our values, which drive how we pursue excellence and access in research, teaching, and critical citizenship,” said Bronet. “This extraordinary place, our passion, our unique approach to experiential learning and collaboration, our intense scholarly and creative engagement, our commitment to community and quality of life are what define us.”

The provost is asking for feedback on the mission webpage. Bronet is also specifically seeking input from students, and has shared the draft with ASUO leadership along with faculty and staff groups. Input will be taken until October 31. This timeline will allow for a final revision based the feedback and review by the board before the final statement is provided to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for consideration in November.

- By Jennifer Winters, Public Affairs Communications