Mission Statement:

Illinois Wesleyan University, an independent, residential, liberal arts university founded in 1850, strives to attain the ideal of a liberal education while providing unique opportunities with its distinctive curricula and programs.

A liberal education at Illinois Wesleyan fosters

Creativity
Critical thinking
Effective communication
Strength of character, and a
Spirit of inquiry.

World-view. It deepens the specialized knowledge of a discipline with a comprehensive world-view and affords the greatest possibilities for realizing individual potential, while preparing students for democratic citizenship and life in a global society.

Diverse curricula. As the University pursues this ideal for all its students, it helps students to follow a wide range of career and life paths, offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts and professional programs as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and off-campus learning.

Committed to. The University through its policies, programs and practices is committed to

Diversity
Social justice, and
Environmental sustainability.

Close-knit community. A tightly knit, supportive university community, together with a variety of opportunities for close interaction with excellent faculty, both challenges and supports students in their personal and intellectual development.