University of Scranton

Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania

Country: United States of America

University Information: University of Scranton is a small Jesuit, private, research institution focused on the liberal arts. While offering several post-graduate degrees, the University of Scranton’s focus is mainly on undergraduate education.

Their mission statement is as followed:

JESUIT TRADITION

Spirituality is at the core of our mission as a Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher learning. The chief characteristics embedded in the Ignatian vision include: the concept of the Magis, or a restless pursuit of excellence grounded in gratitude; Cura Personalis, individual attention to students and respect for the uniqueness of each member of the University community; seeking God in all things; liberal education; service of faith and the promotion of justice; and contemplation in action.

OUR MISSION

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision and the tradition of excellence characteristic of the Society of Jesus and those who share its way of proceeding. The University is a community dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life.

OUR VISION

The University of Scranton will be boldly driven by a shared commitment to excellence. We will provide a superior, transformational learning experience, preparing students who, in the words of Jesuit founder St. Ignatius Loyola, will “set the world on fire.”

The university’s mission statement is heavily rooted in Jesuit and Catholic teachings. Jesuits are known for being teachers, thus it is no surprise that this statement places a large emphasis on achieving a superior learning experience through growth in wisdom and spirituality. However, their statement is rather vague, mentioning that their education is “transformative” but not describing how and in what way this will help prepare their students. In this mission statement, the university is committing itself to following the ways of the Society of Jesus, believing this will allow the university to prosper.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Country: United States of America

University Information: Virginia Commonwealth University is a premier urban, public research university.

Their mission statement is as followed:

As the premier urban, public research university in Virginia, VCU’s mission is to advance knowledge and student success through its commitments to:

An engaged, learner-centered environment that fosters inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting

Research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge and creative expression and promotes translational applications to improve human health

Interdisciplinary collaborations that bring new perspectives to complex problems and mobilize creative energies that advance innovation and solve global challenges

Health care that strives to preserve and restore health for all people, to seek the cause and cure of diseases through groundbreaking research, and to educate those who serve humanity

Diversity that provides a climate of inclusion, a dedication to addressing disparities wherever they exist, and an opportunity to explore and create in an environment of trust

Sustainable, university-community partnerships that enhance the educational, economic and cultural vitality of the communities VCU serves in Virginia and around the world

VISION STATEMENT

VCU will be a premier urban, public research university distinguished by its commitment to:

The intellectual and academic success of a diverse student body

Research and discovery that advances knowledge, inspires creativity and improves human health

The global engagement of students, faculty and staff that transforms lives and communities

CORE VALUES

Accountability – committing to the efficient and transparent stewardship of our resources to achieve institutional excellence

Achievement – ensuring distinction in learning, research and scholarly pursuits, service, and patient care

Collaboration – fostering collegiality and cooperation to advance learning, entrepreneurship and inquiry

Freedom – striving for intellectual truth with responsibility and civility, respecting the dignity of all individuals

Innovation – cultivating discovery, creativity, originality, inventiveness and talent

Service – engaging in the application of learning and discovery to improve the human condition and support the public good at home and abroad

Diversity – ensuring a climate of trust, honesty and integrity where all people are valued and differences are recognized as an asset

Integrity – adhering to the highest standards of honesty, respect and professional and scholarly ethics

This mission statement emphasizes the advancement of research/knowledge as an overarching goal of the university, as well as the qualities and methods they believe to be instrumental. The statement also acknowledges the importance of a diverse student population to the success of the university and its commitment in ensuring this is achieved. The university also greatly values human health and commits itself to bettering the human condition.

---

Both universities state service as a value of their institution. University of Scranton specifies the importance of service of faith and Virginia Commonwealth University values service to benefit the public, both home and abroad.

On the advancement of knowledge, the University of Scranton believes that following the way of God will lead their students to great wisdom whereas Virginia Commonwealth University believes that community and environment, through collaborations and diverse populations, are necessities for growth in knowledge. Although both universities are classified as research institutions, only Virginia Commonwealth University details its definition of research. Virginia Commonwealth University also mentions specifically its commitment to research benefiting human health and condition, whereas the University of Scranton does not mention any specific type of research its institution focuses on.

Virginia Commonwealth University emphasizes environment and community as needed for success, where the University of Scranton does not place too large of an importance on this point. Both universities mentionthat each member of their community is unique and to be respected. However, Virginia Commonwealth University goes further to state that diversity is needed to ensure a successful university, which University of Scranton fails to mention. Interestingly, this can be seen in the lack of a diverse student population in the University of Scranton in comparison to the student population at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Both mission statements define the goals set out for their respective universities, which happen to have several goals in common with one another. Virginia Commonwealth University goes into more detail as to how they would like to achieve their goals whereas the University of Scranton prefers to refer back to religious ideologies. Both statements also clearly show the difference between the two universities. University of Scranton, being a religiously-affiliated institution, places a large emphasis on the teachings of the Society of Jesus and how they are ingrained into the core of the university. Virgnia Commonwealth University, on the other hand, is a R1 research institution, and thus its mission statement on the importance of research and how to pursue and advance current knowledge.