Today I’d like to go over the mission statements of two universities from different countries. I chose to compare the mission of these specific universities, because I had the honor to study in both of them, and therefore can provide the insight of someone who’s been able to experience learning in these institutions, as well as to discuss whether their mission statements are in fact implemented to the students experience.
State University of Sao Paulo:
At UNESP, we highly value the principles of free speech and critical thinking as well as ethical and humanistic principles; so, it is our mission to bring you education, research and outreach activities that uphold these principles.
In addition, we promote professionalization which aims to improve: the quality of life of both individuals and society; technological innovation, sustainability, social equity, human rights and democratic access.
Also, through the transformative power of knowledge sharing, we are seeking to incite impactful changes that will help to overcome inequalities as well as to empower citizens to fully exercise their rights.
Virginia Tech:
Inspired by our land-grant identity and guided by our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech is an inclusive community of knowledge, discovery, and creativity dedicated to improving the quality of life and the human condition within the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the world.
In general, both universities have a similar mission of developing their communities and promote diversity and inclusion. In practice, Virginia Tech is highly diverse, as the students in the university come from all over the world (including myself). Virginia Tech also plays an important role in promoting these different cultures to form their own communities on campus, ultimately promoting a very broad cultural environment.
The State University of Sao Paulo is inclusive in a way that it offers great quality teaching free of tuition and fees for all students. Although there is a difficult selective process based on merit, this allows access of education for those who are less fortunate. In addition, the university has 24 campi spread across the state, which ultimately provides education outreach.
The Brazilian university however, seems to have a more political goal as stated “we are seeking to incite impactful changes that will help to overcome inequalities as well as to empower citizens to fully exercise their rights.”, whereas Virginia Tech defines it’s mission broadly as developing the community’s quality of life. In practice, the Brazilian university is, indeed more politically driven. Since it is a public university, not only the institution, but often the students and professors will adopt a political position, which often results in strikes.
Hi Nicholas! I also compared UNESP in my blog post with a US university (Auburn) and found some similar points to you. I found a lot of similarities with the universities, because both are focused on education and also community service; however, you are right in saying that UNESP is more political in their message. I really like the picture that shows all the campuses that UNESP has which helps add support to their outreach goal. It is interesting to see which parts of mission statements are actually goals of the university and which are just for show.
Nicholas you made a good point about Virginia Tech’s mission statement stating an inclusive community and that being reflected in the cultural communities on campus. I share a similar perspective as you that the mission statement should be emulated within the campus community. It appears in both of these mission statements that the essence of the institution is captured.