Mission:

Washburn University strives to continue to be an outstanding public metropolitan educational resource for the people of Kansas and the region, emphasizing excellence in teaching. This emphasis on quality instruction in the learning/teaching process has been maintained since Washburn's founding in 1865 and its evolution from a small church college to a comprehensive public metropolitan university. The University takes pride in its faculty and staff and the talent and diversity they bring to the educational process.

The University's educational objectives are to prepare individuals for careers and further study in a variety of disciplines and for a lifetime of continuous learning. The open admissions policy on the undergraduate level allows Washburn to offer higher education to a diverse population, but also requires the University to make a special effort to help individuals reach their full academic potential. An extensive advising system complements the educational program.

Washburn provides educational opportunities principally for the residents of Topeka, Shawnee County and Northeast Kansas. It also attracts students from the entire state, nation and the world. Degrees are awarded at the associate, bachelor, master and professional levels. The general education foundation is the common base for all the University's undergraduate degrees. The College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law historically have been and continue to be areas of strength for Washburn. As a metropolitan institution, programs in the Schools of Business, Nursing and Applied Studies and the Division of Continuing Education are special emphases of the University. Washburn is responsive to the needs of the recent high school and community college graduate, but it also has an additional commitment to provide educational opportunities for the adult learner.

As a metropolitan university, it is not only a university located in the city, it is an integral part of the community, the state and the region. It must focus on the total educational needs of the area and must adapt and change with the ever varying demands placed on it. Through musical and theater performances, library services, public forums, lecture series and art exhibitions, the University enriches the community's cultural and intellectual life. Working with business and industry, health care providers, government, social agencies, public schools and regional educational institutions, Washburn assists others in establishing and reaching their goals and objectives. University faculty and staff engage in research and creative activities and participate on commissions and boards to improve teaching effectiveness, meet community needs and contribute to the extension of knowledge. The University also joins with other post-secondary institutions and organizations in offering educational opportunities for the people of Kansas and is committed to participation in appropriate cooperative ventures.

Washburn University is accountable to itself, its students, the citizens of Topeka and the taxpayers of Kansas. It is committed to accreditation of appropriate academic programs, to vigorous regular self-assessment of both academic and non-academic programs, and to continuous improvement.