University of Pittsburgh Mission Statement

The University of Pittsburgh, founded in 1787 is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. As one of the nation's distinguished comprehensive universities, the resources of the University constitutes an invaluable asset for the intellectual, economic, and social enrichment of Pennsylvania, while the international prestige of the University enhances the image of Pennsylvania throughout the world.

The University's mission is to:

  • Provide high-quality undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences and professional fields, with emphasis upon those of special benefit to the citizens of Pennsylvania;

  • Offer superior graduate programs in the arts and sciences and the professions that respond to the needs of Pennsylvania, as well as to the broader needs of the nation and the world;

  • Engage in research, artistic, and scholarly activities that advance learning through the extension of the frontiers of knowledge and creative endeavor;

  • Cooperate with industrial and governmental institutions to transfer knowledge in science, technology and health care;

  • Offer continuing education programs adapted to the personal enrichment, professional upgrading, and career advancement interests and needs of adult Pennsylvanians; and

  • Make available to local communities and public agencies the expertise of the University in ways that are consistent with the primary teaching and research functions and contribute to social, intellectual, and economic development in the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

    • The trustees, faculty, staff, students, and administration of the University are dedicated to accomplishing this mission, to which they pledge their individual and collective efforts, determined that the University shall continue to be counted among prominent institutions of higher education throughout the world.

    Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 16, 1995

    Athletic Department Mission Statement

    The mission of the Department of Athletics is to sponsor broad-based athletics programs that provide educational and athletic opportunities for all students and equitable opportunities for all students and staff. The Department of Athletics will execute its mission, as directed by the University's Board of Trustees, Chancellor and Athletics Director. Furthermore, the Department of Athletics is committed to excellence, integrity, fairness, good sportsmanship, and competitiveness that are consistent with and in support of the mission of the University of Pittsburgh. The Department of Athletics is committed to assisting student-athletes in personal, academic and athletic development. The development of student-athletes is incorporated within the total educational framework philosophies and objectives of the University.

    The University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics seeks to be a source of pride of the University, the City of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, the Department of Athletics strives to successfully compete at the highest level of Division-I-A Athletics and to be the best athletics program in the Big East Conference.

    The Department of Athletics is committed to ethical, honest and sportsmanlike behavior in full compliance with all federal and state laws, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Big East Conference and University rules and regulations.

    Embraced in the mission of the Department of Athletics are the following operating principles and objectives:

  • To strive to improve and sustain the academic performance of our student-athletes from admissions through graduation, and to continue to take an active role in enabling student-athletes to meet academic challenges.

  • To provide support in all areas of student-athlete welfare including academics, physical and emotional well being, social development, personal growth, wellness, career and community service.

  • To recruit student-athletes and staff of the highest integrity who possess the skills necessary to succeed.

  • Through the principles of Commitment, Teamwork and Pride, promote character development in student-athletes, including cooperation, leadership, group loyalty, good sportsmanship, and competition and thereby contribute to the development of institutional morale, loyalty and school spirit.

  • To encourage student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff to participate in community involvement, through the Panthers' Game Plan, as allowed by NCAA, Big East and University rules.

  • To support equitable opportunities for all student-athletes, administrators, coaches and staff, by striving to create a culturally diverse staff that reflects the student-athlete population, the University and the City of Pittsburgh.

  • The Department of Athletics will comply with applicable non-discrimination laws and University policies and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizen status, age, disability or veteran's status in employment, education and athletic participation.

  • The University and the Department of Athletics is committed to compliance with Title IX and to gender equity in athletics.

  • To employ coaches and administrative staff, consistent with NCAA, University and Department high standards of integrity, moral conduct, ethical behavior and sportsmanship.

  • To provide the best facilities, equipment, training and health care to ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to excel.

  • To achieve fiscal stability by developing and monitoring a sound financial base of adequate funding and appropriate management of funding.

    Our Vision

    To provide opportunities for student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential-academically, athletically, and socially - while competing successfully at the highest level. To serve as a course of pride for the University, the City of Pittsburgh, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    Our Values

    Integrity
    Acting with honesty and principles

    Student-Athlete Welfare
    Committed to the best interests of our student-athletes

    Respect
    Working and serving with dignity, professionalism and respect for all

    Pursuit of Excellence
    Achieving and the highest level

    Teamwork
    Working together to achieve our common goals

    Resource Management
    Managing our human and fiscal resources responsibly