Dedication to knowledge is the foundation of the University of West Florida. All that we do or propose to do must serve the transmission, creation, and application of knowledge.

The highest priority of the University is our students and the integrity and quality of the academic programs that serve them. As a public university, we also welcome our obligation to meet the needs of the West Florida region, the state, and the nation through research, creative activities, and public service.

Every university must make choices of curricular offerings, research programs, applications, and public services. The University of West Florida makes such decisions determined to:

• Enhance our strong record of synergism among teaching and learning, research, and public service;
• Provide a cohesive program of general education;
• Offer baccalaureate major curricula leading to career success or admission to graduate and professional schools;
• Offer master's and specialist degree programs which meet regional and State needs for disciplinary specialization and the continuing education of the workforce;
• Meet regional and State needs for well qualified educational leaders by offering the applied doctorate in education (Ed.D); and
• Ensure personal attention to students by both faculty and staff.

In order to serve the student body and truly be accessible, the University recognizes the special needs of women, of racial and ethnic minorities, and of those with disabilities. Additionally, to strengthen our students' readiness for productive membership in an increasingly diverse national population and an emerging global society, we seek to foster a pluralistic student body, including an international presence. To the same end, the University is committed to having our faculty exhibit a like diversity.

We serve a heterogenous student body that is varied in work experience, academic talents, educational backgrounds, and age. A fulfilling educational experience demands an involved student. Our students deserve the full range of student life opportunities. The University must make a special effort to involve nontraditional students in the complete life of the University.

A university whose first priority is the education of students requires a faculty committed to student learning and achievement. That commitment in turn demands intellectual vitality, which is primarily maintained and fostered through research and creative endeavors that are expected of all faculty. We anticipate that these activities will result in contributions that are public and tangible and will provide opportunities for students to participate in the discovery of knowledge.

An interactive university requires a faculty engaged in service to the public. Such contributions arise from intellectual engagement and professional competence, the availability of student assistance, and the resources of the University. In addition, the faculty provide service to their professions, participate in institutional governance, and are encouraged to involve themselves in volunteer and community activities.

Because the University demands a high level of dedication, professional competence, and vitality from our faculty and staff, it must provide rich opportunities for professional growth and offer programs to increase work satisfaction and the opportunity for promotion and other advancement.

We reaffirm our dedication, present from the University's beginning, to maintain the beauty of the physical environment and a safe and accessible campus.

We pledge ourselves to sustain an environment of mutual support, respect, and freedom from bias for all who work and study here. Most importantly, we strive to be an ideal community for our students, faculty, and staff. To that end, the University prizes and seeks to foster a purposeful, open, just, disciplined, caring, and celebrative community.

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