Mission Statement, Commitments and Goals

Mission

Montclair State University is a public-serving institution, advancing the common good …

by broadening access to rigorous education and exceptional learning opportunities for a diverse population, rich in talent, dedication and ambition;
by challenging and supporting students and employees in an inclusive and respectful environment where learners can grow and flourish as collaborative, compassionate citizen-leaders;
by advancing research to deepen understanding of our shared challenges and cultivating human creativity to develop innovative solutions; and
by forming partnerships to enhance prosperity, democracy and well-being in the communities we serve.

Provide Access and Excellence: We teach students how to learn by engaging them in the classroom and beyond, through research and hands-on experiences, extracurriculars and public service. We operate efficiently to keep tuition affordable, and we deliver education flexibly to help students balance family, work and school.
Offer Expertise with Humility: We work as true partners with the communities we serve, leveraging the University’s knowledge and resources to help them meet their goals while valuing their contributions and learning alongside them as peers.
Embrace Discourse and Fairness: We treat everyone fairly and respectfully, and honor the rights of all humans. We value and encourage respectful discourse, recognizing that the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of new knowledge sustains discovery and is fundamental to democracy.
Innovate with Integrity: We respond flexibly and nimbly to changing circumstances, foster creativity, take intelligent risks and actively seek new approaches while holding each other accountable and using wisely the resources entrusted to us.
Embrace Local and Universal Aspirations: We are a national university that is proud to be of, by and for New Jersey. We serve our state’s dynamic, varied communities while also fulfilling our obligations to serve our country, our planet and the enduring truths that bind humanity as one.

Optimize Student Access and Success

Recruit and support a student population reflective of New Jersey’s diversity and capable of succeeding at Montclair.
Improve outcomes for all students undifferentiated by background, achieving a retention rate greater than 90% and a six-year graduation rate greater than 70%
Maintain affordability by managing tuition costs, maximizing financial aid and minimizing student indebtedness.
Sustain the University’s position as a national leader in social mobility and value for students, as measured by independent rankings.
Improve students’ post-graduation success by prioritizing career preparedness through research participation, co-curricular experiences and other forms of engaged learning.
Reinvigorate our democracy by cultivating a vibrant campus environment, and developing citizen-leaders imbued with an ethos of public service, civic engagement, and constructive discourse.

Drive Academic Excellence and Innovation

Achieve very high research activity (R1 status) by increasing extramural funding by 20% and increasing the number of research doctorates by 20% within 5 years.
Develop an institutional culture and infrastructure to support research, scholarship and the arts.
Innovate program offerings to meet the demands of a dynamic environment by providing responsive, multi-modal and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Advance innovative teaching and learning by equipping faculty with the mindset, tools and strategies to create vibrant environments that engage learners and equip them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead confidently.
Achieve national standing for every School and College by establishing at least one distinctive hallmark of excellence.
Encourage and support students to achieve the highest levels of success, demonstrated by winning national competitions, earning prestigious scholarships and showcasing creativity and academic ability.

Expand Reach and Amplify Impact

Measure the University’s success by the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Empower communities to achieve their aspirations by making Montclair an accessible and trusted go-to resource for partnership and expertise.
Increase the impact of research by creating an integrated ecosystem of research-to-policy hubs, private-sector partnerships and public engagement.
Advance regional economic development and job growth by building innovative partnerships with public and private organizations.
Increase global engagement by creating international experiences, broadening access to Montclair programs and promoting a global mindset.

Build Institutional Strength and Resilience

Enhance financial strength by diversifying revenue streams, optimizing the use of all resources and increasing philanthropic support.
Recruit, develop and retain a diverse and outstanding workforce by expanding growth opportunities and enhancing employees’ sense of belonging.
Support continuous improvement through robust data collection, analysis and application.
Lead the way in a changing world by making awareness, foresight and adaptability part of University culture.