Mission Statements:

The System Mission, The Core Mission of the University Cluster, The Select Mission of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

   The System Mission

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse shares in the mission of the University of Wisconsin System which is to develop human resources; to discover and disseminate knowledge; to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses; and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and human sensitivities as well as scientific, professional, and technological expertise and a sense of purpose. Inherent in this broad mission are methods of instruction, research, extended education and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth.

   The Core Mission of the University Cluster

As institutions in the University Cluster of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, the University of Wisconsin-Stout, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater share the following core mission. Within the approved Differentiation stated in their select missions, each University in the Cluster shall:

(a) Offer associate and baccalaureate degree level and selected graduate programs within the context of its approved mission statement.

(b) Offer an environment that emphasizes teaching excellence and meets the educational and personal needs of students through effective teaching, academic advising, counseling, and through University-sponsored cultural, recreational and extracurricular programs.

(c) Offer a core of liberal studies that supports University degrees in the arts, letters, and sciences, as well as specialized professional/technical degrees at the associate and baccalaureate level.

(d) Offer a program of preprofessional curricular offerings consistent with the University's mission.

(e) Expect scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its selected graduate programs, and its approved mission statement.

(f) Promote the integration of the extension function, assist the University of Wisconsin-Extension in meeting its responsibility for statewide coordination, and encourage faculty and staff participation in outreach activity.

(g) Participate in interinstitutional relationships in order to maximize educational opportunity for the people of the state effectively and efficiently through the sharing of resources.

(h) Serve the needs of women, minority, disadvantaged, disabled, and nontraditional students and seek racial and ethnic diversification of the student body and the professional faculty and staff.

(i) Support activities designed to promote the economic development of the state.

Select Mission of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

In addition to the system and core missions, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has the following select mission:

The primary purpose of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is to provide education leading to baccalaureate and selected graduate degrees supplemented by appropriate research and public service activities as further detailed in the following set of goals:

(a) The University shall emphasize excellence in educational programs and teaching.

(b) The University shall provide a broad base of liberal education as a foundation for the intellectual, cultural, and professional development of the students.

(c) The University shall offer undergraduate programs and degrees in the arts, letters, and sciences; health and human services; education; health, physical education, and recreation; and business administration.

(d) The University shall offer graduate programs and degrees related to areas of emphasis and strength within the institution.

(e) The University expects scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the baccalaureate degree level, its selected graduate programs, and its special mission.

(f) The University shall support studies related to the environment, culture, heritage, institutions, and economy of La Crosse and the surrounding Upper Mississippi Valley region.

(g) The University shall serve as an academic and cultural center, providing service and professional expertise, and meeting the broader educational needs of the region.