Mission, Vision & Core Values

Mission

By ensuring access to an intellectually invigorating liberal arts education and high-quality professional programs vital to our state’s future, we provide opportunities for individuals to enhance and transform their lives; contribute to the advancement and wellbeing of families and communities; and bolster the overall quality of life, both in Rhode Island and across wider society.

Vision

We are tenaciously striving to become Rhode Island’s most student-centered institution of higher learning. This intentional focus will galvanize our efforts to: improve outcomes for all students; enliven teaching, learning, research, creative work, and service; and weave the College more tightly into the fabric of our state’s distinctiveness.

Core Values

Consideration & Open-Mindedness

We treat one another with respect, strive to remain open to new ideas, and acknowledge the importance of considering multiple perspectives.

Academic Quality

We believe the most critical ingredients for a high-quality teaching and learning environment are: sustained, meaningful interaction between faculty and students; ongoing support for faculty to be leaders in their respective disciplines; an emphasis on opportunities for intensive engagement; and adherence to the principles of academic freedom and equitable access to knowledge.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are cultivating an inclusive institution that fosters diversity within our community and seeks to continuously improve equity in opportunities and outcomes for everyone.

Student Agency

We work in close partnership with each and every student to honor their individual aspirations, appreciate their unique needs, and do our best to ready them to thrive along whatever paths they choose.

Empowerment

We empower individuals to become increasingly adept at navigating their own avenues for growth and change as they pursue their goals.

Collaboration

We appreciate the inherent value of collaboration and its tremendous potential not only to improve our effectiveness but also to connect people who share a common purpose.

Accountability

We are responsive and accountable to a wider public – and to one another.

Community

We want RIC to be a place that welcomes – and works for – everyone, and to be an institution of which all students, employees, alumni, and the people of Rhode Island can feel proud.