Mission

The mission of the University of Massachusetts Amherst is to create positive impact on the commonwealth and the broader society we serve through education and advancing knowledge. As the flagship public university in Massachusetts, we cherish and add to the commonwealth’s long tradition of intellectual and educational leadership.

Our institution is rooted in the idea that any qualified individual, regardless of wealth or social status, should have access to high-quality higher education. We draw from and support diverse experiences and perspectives as an essential strength of this learning community and accept for ourselves and instill in our students an ongoing commitment to create a better, more just world.

Vision

Our vision is to dramatically improve every aspect of the University of Massachusetts Amherst so as to ascend into the ranks of the top 20 public universities in America, as measured by nationally and internationally recognized criteria. We intend to deliver, for the people of Massachusetts and beyond, a public university that shares the same qualities of excellence, impact, and outcomes as the best public universities in the nation and the world.

Values

• Excellence. In whatever we choose to do, we strive for excellence.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness. We are committed to the success and well-being of every individual in our community regardless of group identity.

• Openness. As a university, we are committed to free and open intellectual inquiry and expression.

• Integrity and Stewardship. As a community, we set high standards for personal responsibility and institutional integrity, and hold ourselves accountable in managing institutional resources and for advancing sustainability of our planet.

• Innovation. We stimulate, recognize, and reward innovation and creativity.

• Impact. We aim to create far-reaching impact on society by welcoming students and faculty from around the world and assisting them to contribute to the welfare of people both locally and globally.

Goals

The plan for the next five years will propel the campus on the pathway to the Top 20 among public research universities by fulfilling the following strategic goals:

1. Establish UMass Amherst as a destination of choice where academically accomplished, socially responsible seekers of a world-class education succeed in a research-rich, inclusive learning community.

2. Establish UMass Amherst as a partner of choice in advancing and applying knowledge and innovation for the betterment of society.

3. Establish UMass Amherst as a community of choice for students, staff, and faculty that exemplifies the power of diverse perspectives and mutual respect.

In support of these goals we follow two overarching principles:

1. Mobilize all our resources to achieve a sustainable financial strategy; and

2. Instill a culture of evidence at all levels that applies the best possible information and analysis to decisions.