Organizational Values

The university’s core values were informed by extensive engagement with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. The word cloud below reflects the themes most frequently identified through the strategic planning process and illustrates the broad support for the values that guide this plan. 

Word cloud of themes identified through the strategic planning process, with size indicating how often each was mentioned. Most prominent: Academic Excellence and Student Success. Also prominent: Community Partnership. Additional themes: Access, Adaptability, Advocacy, Belonging, Collaboration, Creativity, Curiosity, Engagement, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Quality, and Service.

Academic Excellence

We pursue academic excellence by fostering a culture of curiosity, adaptability, creativity, and engagement that inspires lifelong learning, innovative thinking, and scholarly achievement. Through exceptional teaching, research, creative activity, community engagement, and experiential learning, we prepare students to think critically, solve complex problems, and make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. 

Student Success

We pursue student success by creating an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered environment where every learner has access to the resources, opportunities, and personalized support needed to achieve their goals. Through advocacy, meaningful engagement, and a strong sense of belonging, we empower students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally while preparing them to lead and contribute to their communities. 

Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, accountability, transparency, and respect in all aspects of our teaching, learning, scholarship, service, and operations. By upholding the highest ethical standards and fostering a culture of trust, we strengthen academic excellence, support student success, and build meaningful partnerships that advance the mission and vision of UM-Flint. 

Community Partnership

We pursue community partnership by building reciprocal relationships that strengthen our communities, enrich learning, and create lasting impact. Through collaboration, service, scholarship, and shared problem-solving, we work alongside community partners to address local and global challenges while creating opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn, grow, and succeed together. 

Quality

We pursue quality through a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability that advances excellence across every aspect of the university. By regularly evaluating our programs, services, and operations, embracing evidence-informed decision-making, and investing in our people and resources, we strengthen the educational experience, enhance institutional effectiveness, and ensure lasting value for our students and communities.