student smiling outside on usf campus

Our Mission and Values

The University of San Francisco exists to change the world for the better. Here is our statement of mission, in full:

Mission Statement

Since 1855, the University of San Francisco has dedicated itself to offering a daring and dynamic liberal arts education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. As a community, we empower and hold accountable our students, faculty, librarians, staff, administrators, alumni, and community partners to be persons for and with others, to care for our common home, including the native lands on which our campuses reside, and to promote the common good by critically, thoughtfully, and innovatively addressing inequities to create a more humane and just world.

We seek to live USF’s mission by nurturing a diverse, ever-expanding community where persons of all races and ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, generations, abilities, nationalities, occupations, and socioeconomic backgrounds are honored and accompanied. We are committed to educating hearts and minds to cultivate the full, integral development of each person and all persons; pursuing learning as a lifelong humanizing and liberating social activity; and advancing excellence as the standard for teaching, scholarship, creative expression, and service. Inspired by a faith that does justice, we strive to humbly and responsibly engage with, and contribute to, the cultural, intellectual, economic and spiritual gifts and talents of the San Francisco Bay Area and the global communities to which we belong.

LEARN THE STORY BEHIND OUR MISSION STATEMENT

 


Our Values

At USF, we value three things in particular: cura personalis, being people for others, and diversity in all its forms.

Cura Personalis

Come to USF and practice cura personalis, or care for the whole person. We believe that your mind, body, and spirit deserve equal attention and consideration.

Body

Break a sweat. Get your feet wet. Join a team. Make friends at Koret Health and Recreation Center. Join our outdoor adventures program and do hikes, ski trips, beach yoga, and more.

Check out our Health Promotion Services (HPS) and gain access to a health clinic, free nutrition appointments with a dietetic technician, student health insurance, and other resources to keep you in tip-top shape.

People for Others

At USF, social service is as important as professional success. When you leave USF with a calling to serve others — in your career, in your community, in your life — you are proof that we are living our mission.

An essential part of your undergraduate curriculum, USF's community engaged learning courses address social needs both locally and globally.

Want to explore social issues in a deeper, more connected way? Join a living-learning community, where you'll enroll in a common set of courses and live together in a residential setting.

The center provides service learning and government experiences that inspire you to promote the good of all society's members.

Diversity

Whatever your creed, culture, color, country, identity, and orientation, you are welcome at USF.

Learn About Our Diverse Community