Mission Statement

Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world.

The Shared Core of Augustana College

In examining the Mission Statement for Augustana College, the Mission and Values Committee in consultation with the various constituencies of the College identified the Shared Core Values of Augustana College. The five value words are followed by a phrase that sums up the essence of the value word as it informs the college mission. These phrases are, in turn, followed by several phrases indicating how the value is expressed in the daily life of the institution and its people.

CHRISTIAN

• Centering on worship
• Welcoming all faiths
• Nurturing the search for a mature religious faith
• Relating Christian faith and ethics to learning and service

LIBERAL ARTS

"By providing an education of enduring worth"

• Affirming teaching and learning as central and lifelong
• Fostering a broad understanding of humans and their interactions
• Enriching lives by exposure to enduring forms of aesthetic and creative expressions
• Developing broad knowledge and skills crucial in a changing world
• Creating awareness of one's own religious and ethical beliefs and those of others
• Cultivating health and wellness

EXCELLENCE

"By committing to high standards and integrity"

• Practicing faithfulness in teaching, learning, supporting, administering
• Nurturing potential
• Challenging the intellect
• Acting ethically
• Recognizing achievement

COMMUNITY

"By caring for one another and our environments"

• Responding to needs
• Respecting human differences
• Empowering one another
• Tending to the ecology of place

SERVICE

"By affirming that wholeness includes reaching out to others"

• Accepting the call to servanthood
• Promoting justice
• Integrating career and service
• Serving church and society