A New Mission, Vision and Core Values

On June 27, 2011, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the resolution proposing the new CSU Core Values, Vision Statement and Mission Statement.

Mission Statement

Chicago State University (CSU) is a public, comprehensive university that provides access to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds and educational needs. The university fosters the intellectual development and success of its student population through a rigorous, positive, and transformative educational experience. CSU is committed to teaching, research, service and community development including social justice, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Vision Statement

Chicago State University will be recognized for innovations in teaching and research, and in promoting ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and social and environmental justice. We will embrace, engage, educate, and empower our students and community to transform lives locally and globally.

Core Values

Chicago State University values:

• Intellectual development
• Creative and innovative thinking and learning
• Dignity and unique talents of all persons
• Responsible choices and actions
• Personal and academic excellence
• Personal, professional and academic integrity
• Diversity
• Leadership, service, philanthropy, social justice, and entrepreneurship
• Pride in self, community and the university
• Lifelong learning

Chicago State University was founded as a teacher training school in Blue Island, Illinois on September 2, 1867. Today, the University is a fully accredited public, urban institution located on 161-picturesque acres in a residential community on Chicago's South side. CSU is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Illinois. The University's five colleges—Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Pharmacy—offer 36 undergraduate and 25 graduate and professional degree-granting programs. CSU also offers an interdisciplinary Honors College for students in all areas of study and has a Division of Continuing Education and Nontraditional Degree Programs that offers extension courses, distance learning and not-for-credit programs to the entire Chicago community.