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Mission Statement Analysis

Daisy Lozano

Higher Education Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University

HESA 500: Foundation of Higher Education

Dr. Kathryn Jaekel

October 16, 2020

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Introduction

Mission statements are an important aspect of the institutions and are what the schools

are going to be able to provide to the students. This paper will analyze the mission statements of

DePaul University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Although they are both different

institutions, they both see the importance of education. In higher education institutions many

rely on the appearance of the institution. Various of which also have the opportunity to showcase

their mission and values of the school. In this way, students have the opportunity to read and re-

read what each institution's mission and values are and see if it connects with them. As students,

they also have the opportunity to research the ability that the mission statement may provide and

ways that may benefit or not benefit from it.

Private and Public Institutions Mission

Finding two institutions that are similar and different was an easy task. One of the two

institutions chosen is DePaul University. DePaul University is a private local University located

in the heart of Chicago. Also, DePaul University is one of the largest Catholic Universities in

the U.S with serving nearly 23,000s students which of one-third of undergraduate are first-

generation students (DePaul University, n.d.) The University of Illinois at Chicago is also located

in the heart of Chicago. Is one of the Top 20 universities in Diversity and Ranked Top 10 best

value (the University of Illinois at Chicago, n.d). Also, the University of Illinois at Chicago

serves nearly 33,000 students which one-third of undergraduate are first-generation students (the

University of Illinois at Chicago, n.d).

Similarities

Looking into the mission statements, they both exhibit to have similarities. In DePaul

University, they stated “ is dedicated to, teaching, research, and public service” (University of
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DePaul Mission statement, para. 2). The University of Illinois at Chicago also has a similar

concept. They also provide research opportunities for students (University of Illinois Mission

statement, n.d.) as well as having similar goal research.

They also value and believe in diversity. The University of Illinois create practices that

help reflect the increase of the diverse community that they have. Both missions also discuss the

revolution that occurs in the world. They make it seen in the first part of their missions, “To

create knowledge that transforms our views of the world” (the University of Illinois at Chicago

Mission Statement, n.d.). As well as, the DePaul University states that “ the nexus between the

past, present, and future. They both believe that the present and future are evolving at their time

and it is sensible to make that known in their mission statements.

Differences

Although they offer similar opportunities according to their missions, they also have

differences. DePaul University is a private not-for-profit institution, and the University of Illinois

at Chicago is a public institution (Carnegie Classification, 2017). Also, the University of Illinois

at Chicago is more focused on serving the education of health science professionals and as a

major healthcare provider (the University of Illinois at Chicago Mission Statement, n.d.). The

University of DePaul offers a distinct concept and not generalized to one program of study.

DePaul also expresses the importance of creating independent learners through a curriculum that

can emphasize the skills and attitudes (DePaul University Mission Statement, n.d.). Although the

differences can be minimal, the focus of student's education is their best interest.

Beliefs and Values

In the mission statement, it portrays what the institution wants students to see what they

value. Being able to say that through words shows that the University of Illinois and DePaul
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University strongly believe in the importance of diversity. They show that in their mission

statement by bringing it up and stating that cultural awareness is important. Also, they value the

change in the world. The University of Illinois at Chicago states “address the challenges and

opportunities facing not only in Chicago but all Great Cities of the 21st century.” Learning that

there is not just one way of teaching but numerous ways that students in their institution can

learn and help them. Finally, they both value first-generation students. They understand the rapid

increase of first-generation students enrolling and making sure that those students have a sense of

belonging in their intuitions by providing resources and guidance.

Conclusion

As expressed, the institution's missions are not just words on a paper. They tend to

always value and belief that they are made for students to help chose their intuition. They help

students learn what the institution value and what they are about. No matter what type of

institution it might be they are almost all similar. They provide education for these students and a

learning space that fits the students. As seen in this paper, DePaul University is a private

university that has similar goals and ideas and a public institution. Education is an important

aspect of life and institutions must be able to show that in their mission statements.
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References

Carnegie Classification of Higher of Institutions of Higher Education, DePaul University.

(20117). Institution Look up

https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=144740&start_

page

Carnegie Classification of Higher of Institutions of Higher Education, University of Illinois at

Chicago. (20117). Institution Look up

https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=145600&start_

page

DePaul University Mission Statement. (n.d.). DePaul University. Retrieved October 15, 2020,

from https://offices.depaul.edu/mission-ministry/about/Pages/mission.aspx

University of Illinois Mission About. (n.d.). University of Illinois at Chicago.

https://www.uic.edu/about/
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Appendix A

UIC’s mission

UIC provides the broadest access to the highest levels of intellectual excellence. UIC’s mission
is:

• To create knowledge that transforms our views of the world and, through sharing and
application, transforms the world.

• To provide a wide range of students with the educational opportunity only a leading
research university can offer.

• To address the challenges and opportunities facing not only Chicago but all Great Cities
of the 21st century, as expressed by our Great Cities Commitment.

• To foster scholarship and practices that reflect and respond to the increasing diversity of
the U.S. in a rapidly globalizing world.

• To train professionals in a wide range of public service disciplines, serving Illinois as the
principal educator of health science professionals and as a major healthcare provider to
underserved communities.

Appendix B

DePaul University Mission Statement

This mission statement embodies the principal purposes of DePaul University. As such it is the
nexus between past, present and future; the criterion against which plans are formulated and
major decisions made and assessed; the bond which unites faculty, students, staff, alumni, and
trustees as an academic community. As a university, DePaul pursues the preservation,
enrichment, and transmission of knowledge and culture across a broad scope of academic
disciplines. It treasures its deep roots in the wisdom nourished in Catholic universities from
medieval times. The principal distinguishing marks of the university are its Catholic, Vincentian,
and urban character.

Central Purposes

DePaul, in common with all universities, is dedicated to teaching, research, and public service.
However, in pursuing its own distinctive purposes, among these three fundamental
responsibilities this university places highest priority on programs of instruction and learning.
All curricula emphasize skills and attitudes that educate students to be lifelong, independent
learners. DePaul provides sufficient diversity in curricular offerings, personal advisement,
student services, co-curricular and extracurricular activities to serve students who vary in age,
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ability, experience, and career interests. Full-time, part-time and on-line students are accorded
equivalent service and are held to the same academic standards.

As a comprehensive university, DePaul offers degree programs at the undergraduate and

graduate levels and a range of professional programs. The liberal arts and sciences are
recognized not only for their intrinsic value in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, but
also because they are foundational for all specialized undergraduate programs and supportive of

all advanced professional programs. The university maintains that depth of scholarship to offer
the doctorate in selected academic disciplines. Libraries, technology resources, and other
academic support services match the levels and diversity of degree programs.

Research is supported both for its intrinsic merit and for the practical benefits it offers to faculty,
students, and society. Broadly conceived, research at the university entails not only the discovery
and dissemination of new knowledge but also the creation and interpretation of artistic and
digital works, application of expertise to enduring societal issues, and development of
methodologies that improve inquiry, teaching and professional practice.

In meeting its public service responsibility, the university encourages faculty, staff and students
to apply specialized expertise in ways that contribute to the societal, economic, cultural and
ethical quality of life in the metropolitan area and beyond. When appropriate, and mutually
beneficial, DePaul develops service learning and educational partnerships with other institutions
and agencies.

Students and Faculty

DePaul invites to its programs of study students from across the nation. Originally founded for
students from the greater Chicago area, and still serving them predominantly, DePaul continues
its commitment to the education of first generation college students, especially those from the
diverse cultural and ethnic groups in the metropolitan area. Admission standards for all degree
programs are selective or highly selective. In admitting students the university places greatest
weight on intellectual potential and academic achievement. It seeks diversity in students’ special
talents, qualities, interests, and socio-economic background.

DePaul University seeks to manage its resources effectively so as to control the costs it charges
students for programs and services. It also seeks to maximize philanthropic support of its
distinctive mission, and the affinity of its alumni. Moreover, it makes available as much 2

financial aid as possible to assure access to a broad range of talented students. The university
identifies and offers special assistance to students of high potential who have been handicapped
by educational, personal or societal obstacles beyond their control.
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From its first charter DePaul has supported a philosophy which now is expressed as being an
equal opportunity educator and employer. DePaul continues to provide equal opportunities to
students and employees without regard to age, national origin, race, sex, handicap, creed or
color. Moreover, it strives to recruit and retain faculty and staff who reflect the diverse mix of
the student body.

The faculty, learned yet learning, gives substance to the mission of the university. These men and
women personify the intrinsic value of scholarly inquiry and the force of creative and intellectual
efforts. Through their dedication to learning, their contributions to a personalistic environment,
and their faith in the potential of their students, the faculty and staff serve as role models for
students.

Distinguishing Marks

By reason of its Catholic character, and in accordance with the apostolic constitution Ex Corde
Ecclesiæ, DePaul strives to bring the light of Catholic faith and the treasures of knowledge into a
mutually challenging and supportive relationship. It accepts as its corporate responsibility to
remain faithful to the Catholic message drawn from authentic religious sources both traditional
and contemporary. In particular, it encourages theological learning and scholarship; in all
academic disciplines it endorses critical moral thinking and scholarship founded on moral
principles which embody universal religious values and the highest ideals of our society.

On the personal level, DePaul respects the religiously pluralistic composition of its members and
endorses the interplay of diverse value systems beneficial to intellectual inquiry. Academic

freedom is guaranteed both as an integral part of the university’s scholarly and religious heritage,
and as an essential condition of effective inquiry and instruction.

The university derives its title and fundamental mission from Saint Vincent de Paul, the founder
of the Congregation of the Mission, a religious community whose members, Vincentians,
established and continue to sponsor DePaul. Motivated by the example of Saint Vincent, who
instilled a love of God by leading his contemporaries in serving urgent human needs, the DePaul
community is above all characterized by ennobling the God-given dignity of each person. This
religious personalism is manifested by the members of the DePaul community in a sensitivity to
and care for the needs of each other and of those served, with a special concern for the deprived
members of society. DePaul University emphasizes the development of a full range of human
capabilities and appreciation of higher education as a means to engage cultural, social, religious,
and ethical values in service to others.

As an urban university, DePaul is deeply involved in the life of a community which is global.
DePaul both draws from the cultural and professional riches of this community and responds to
its needs through educational and public service programs, by providing leadership in various
professions, the performing arts, and civic endeavors. Finally, it assists in finding just solutions
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to community problems, especially those which impact our poorest and most vulnerable brothers
and sisters.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of DePaul University in 1985. Revised in 1991 and 2016.