Otterbein University Academic Mission & Vision

Academic Affairs is tasked with creating the curriculum and educational programming that fulfills the University’s mission.

The mission of Otterbein University is to educate the whole person in a context that fosters the development of humane values. Otterbein University is a private, coeducational, comprehensive liberal arts institution that offers full-time and continuing education programs of liberal arts and professional education at the Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctoral levels. Our commitment is to the liberal arts as the foundation of all learning.

Academic Affairs Mission Statement:

In partnership with University and community colleagues, the Office of Academic Affairs at Otterbein University provides services and leadership to foster an outstanding and progressive culture of teaching and learning; scholarship and creative work; and engagement in the local and global society.

Academic Affairs Vision Statement:

The Academic Affairs Division of Otterbein University will exemplify the following ideals:

• We strive for Excellence as a Regional Teaching Institution: Our mission prioritizes the holistic development of students; our curriculum is purposefully designed to help students make connections in and out of the classroom and between classes; and our emphasis on integrative and experiential learning and commitment to high standards of teaching performance gives students the experiences they need to be lifelong learners who contribute to society.
• We will be a Student-Ready Campus: We are a university of opportunity for diverse student populations; we are committed to creating inclusive classroom and campus spaces; we are committed to closing achievement gaps where they exist for our students; and we hold ourselves accountable for the success of our students.
• We promote a university-wide Global Ethos: Our faculty and students are aware of their connectedness to others in the local and global community; we embrace opportunities to learn about the human condition and engage critically in conversations about ethical responsibilities; and we continually integrate and draw upon diverse perspectives and experiences in thinking about and acting purposefully in the world.
• We aim to be Resourceful and Responsible Workplace Collaborators: We are responsible stewards of the university’s and division’s resources; we work together in service of student learning; and we actively seek out data and information on operations and processes in order to judge and improve our performance.