Tufts University vision statement, formally adopted by the Board of Trustees in 1994, summarizes the philosophy that drives all of Tufts’ schools and colleges: As we shape our future, quality will be the pole star that guides us. We will seek quality in our teaching and research and in the services that support our academic enterprise. Our programs will be those that meet our own high standards, that augment each other, and that are worthy of the respect of our students and of scholars, educators, and the larger community. For students, our search for quality will mean opportunities both in and beyond the classroom to become well-educated, well-rounded individuals, professionals, and scholars. For faculty and staff, it will mean opportunities to realize their talents in the service of Tufts’ goals. Fulfilling our vision of quality will mean choices. No university can do everything for everyone, and we will seek to do those things in which we can excel. Nor is quality static, and we will therefore welcome change and innovation, continually improving quality in every aspect of the University. Learning Knowledge is important but alone is not enough. Learning must be lifelong. We will teach our students how to obtain, evaluate, and use information. We will prepare them to use historical perspective and to be receptive to new ideas. Our students will be sensitive to ethical issues and able to confront them. Teaching And The Search For Knowledge As a teaching University, we will honor and promote effective teaching, both inside and outside the classroom. We will seek an environment in which faculty and students are mutually engaged in the search for knowledge. We value research and scholarly activities independently from their contribution to teaching, but they will never become so important that we forget our commitment to educating our students. We believe technology can help us to enhance our educational programs and the services that support them. We will seek opportunities to use it effectively. Citizenship As an institution, we are committed to improving the human condition through education and discovery. Beyond this commitment, we will strive to be a model for society at large. We want to foster an attitude of “giving back,” an understanding that active citizen participation is essential to freedom and democracy, and a desire to make the world a better place. Diversity We value a diverse community of women and men of different races, religions, geographic origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, personal characteristics, and interests–where differences are understood and respected. Global Orientation We will cultivate in our students an understanding of the citizens and cultures of the world, realizing this goal through our curriculum, study abroad, and students who come to Tufts from abroad. We will strive to contribute to global intellectual capital, harmony, and well-being. Fiscal Responsibility Fulfilling the University’s mission and its obligations to its students, faculty, staff, and other constituencies requires that we pursue policies that ensure fiscal soundness, now and in the future. To accomplish this, we will seek out new resources as well as using those we have as efficiently and effectively as possible.
