Ohio State's Shared Values
Through reflection, evaluation and meaningful action, we aim to reinforce our ethical culture and live these shared values to advance our core work of teaching, learning, research and service.
Our vision
The Ohio State University is the model 21st-century public, land grant, research, urban, community-engaged institution.
Our mission
The university is dedicated to:
- Creating and discovering knowledge to improve the well-being of our local, state, regional, national and global communities;
- Educating students through a comprehensive array of distinguished academic programs;
- Preparing a diverse student body to be leaders and engaged citizens;
- Fostering a culture of engagement and service.
We understand that diversity and inclusion are essential components of our excellence.
Our values, principles and behaviors
Demonstrating leadership in pursuit of our vision and mission
PRINCIPLE
Advancing sustainable and evidence-based solutions through mutually beneficial partnerships
BEHAVIORS
Together, we
- Stimulate creativity, critical thinking and problem solving
- Proactively collaborate with others and strive for meaningful outcomes
- Are bold in our endeavors and create environments to foster new approaches
- Demonstrate persistence and commitment
- Inspire others to join in and take action
- Champion everyone's potential for success
Welcoming differences and making connections among people and ideas
PRINCIPLE
Encouraging open-minded exploration, risk-taking, and freedom of expression
BEHAVIORS
Together, we
- Are curious and open to different experiences
- Recognize everyone’s potential to contribute new ideas
- Actively engage others’ perspectives as opportunities for individual and institutional growth
- Work toward creative, collaborative solutions
- Use our successes and failures to learn and improve with humility
Upholding equal rights and advancing institutional fairness
PRINCIPLE
Advocating for access, affordability, opportunity, and empowerment
BEHAVIORS
Together, we
- Intentionally foster a sense of belonging where all are valued
- Strive to understand and appreciate each other's backgrounds and experiences
- Listen to multiple voices and engage in civil discourse
- Acknowledge and address individual and systemic effects of bias and discrimination
Attending to the well-being of individuals and communities
PRINCIPLE
Putting people at the center of all we do
BEHAVIORS
Together, we
- Are compassionate and meet people where they are
- Support each other’s physical and mental health
- Nurture a community of kindness and gratitude
- Foster individual growth and development
- Empower people to overcome obstacles
Acting responsibly and being accountable
PRINCIPLE
Building trust through honesty, transparency, and authentic engagement
BEHAVIORS
Together, we
- Value our greatest resource, our people, and acknowledge the contributions of every individual
- Allow people to make and learn from mistakes
- Work conscientiously and assume positive intent of others
- Actively listen and engage in open, honest dialogue
- Are good stewards of our and others' resources
Statement of Commitment
As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.016, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.