Genuine Value: A broadly shared fundamental belief about our work together; a principle that determines, or should determine, our individual and collective behavior. It is something on which we are willing to act, something to which we are or could become, genuinely committed.

This PREAMBLE Reflects this university's philosophy, mission and vision. As a community of students, faculty and staff, Kutztown University of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is committed to these four core values which shall be the foundation for all Strategic Priority Goals:

1. WE BELIEVE THAT THE STUDENT AND HIS/HER DEVELOPMENT MUST BE THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF OUR WORK.


• ENHANCED KNOWLEDGE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION
  The University must provide students, faculty and staff opportunities to increase their appreciation and knowledge of the human condition, respect for individual and cultural differences, social justice, academic integrity, and the democratic process.
• EQUAL ACCESS INSTITUTION
  We will promote and embrace the diverse needs of society by ensuring equal access to programs, services and intellectual offerings without regard to race, gender, creed, age, national origin, sexual orientation or physical disability.
• COLLABORATIVE AND INTEGRATIVE LEARNING AND TEACHING
  Using new, innovative and collaborative pedagogical approaches, we believe the University must promote student learning, both in and out of the classroom, and provide students opportunities to develop and practice critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• A DYNAMIC, TECHNOLOGICALLY - ADVANCED ENVIRONMENT
  We believe the University must be a dynamic academic environment devoted to programs, services and academic offerings which emphasize investigation and information management through technologically-advanced skills of locating, evaluating, organizing, using and presenting information.


2. WE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST MAINTAIN A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
• A JUST AND CARING COMMUNITY
  The University is a just and caring community where dignity and respect for all individuals without regard for race, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation are affirmed and supported and where equality of opportunity is vigorously pursued.
• THE PRINCIPLES OF CIVILITY
  As a community, we appreciate, respect and embrace the principles of honesty, integrity and civility, and demonstrate such values in all our actions.
• CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND VALUES EDUCATION
  We are committed to immerse students in the process of values education and character development must be central to our work and is embodied in the social and intellectual dimensions of campus life.


3. WE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST INFLUENCE THE QUALITY OF OUR COMMUNITY.
• SHARED GOVERNANCE
  We believe that the University should respect, promote and practice shared governance among faculty, staff and students in all aspects of the decision-making process.
• FREE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND BELIEFS
  Provide a quality of campus life which will encourage the growth of self-esteem, respect for the beliefs of other and the open exchange of ideas.
• COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND SERVICE
  As a member of the State System of Higher Education, we believe that our University must actively engage in serving the community, whether local, regional, state, national, or global, in creative and collaborative ways to meet emerging societal needs.


4. WE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.
• A COMMUNITY OF INQUIRING SCHOLARS
  Our University must be a community of scholars engaged in diverse learning styles and academic inquiry, both in and out of the classroom, and we must foster an environment in which such inquiry is understood, appreciated and modeled.
• ACADEMIC AND CO-CURRICULAR EXCELLENCE In its commitment to academic and co-curricular excellence, the University must provide a world of quality education, in a dynamic environment of positive interaction and continuous improvement, that maximizes the professional, intellectual, social and personal development of all participants.