Mission

The University of Portland, an independently governed Catholic university guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, addresses significant questions of human concern through disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies of the arts, sciences, and humanities and through studies in majors and professional programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a diverse community of scholars dedicated to excellence and innovation, we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls and the world. Because we value the development of the whole person, the university honors faith and reason as ways of knowing, promotes ethical reflection, and prepares people who respond to the needs of the world and its human family.

The mission includes three central tenets: Teaching and Learning, Faith and Formation, and Service and Leadership. The three central tenets capture the essential elements of the mission and collectively express the essence of the University of Portland.

The goals/objectives supporting the central tenets are:

  • Teaching and Learning — A university with premier academic programs.
  • Faith and Formation — A campus-wide culture that promotes human formation and integrates reason, faith, and ethical values
  • Service and Leadership — A community that demonstrates service and leadership for the common good.