William Penn University Mission Statement
The purpose of William Penn University is to provide a quality education that blends critical
thinking and skilled applications to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for success in a global society.
To accomplish this, the following mission statement underlies all we do at William Penn
University, both inside and outside of the classroom.
As a pioneer learning institution we strive:
• to actively sustain an open and questioning learning community at the undergraduate level dedicated to excellence that will allow students to fully participate in the construction of their own futures;
• to advance the cause of diversity in the educational experience by embracing the
rich tradition of tolerance inherent in the Society of Friends;
• to vigorously pursue the development of a learning community that enhances
educational and leadership opportunities for the state, region, and beyond; and
• to assure that academic rigor, social development, and leadership opportunities
remain central to our institution.
Foundational Concepts:
Informed and led by the precepts of the Society of Friends, the following four concepts must
underlie all we do at William Penn University, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Leadership:
We value individuals who possess strong skills in organizing, planning, problem-solving,
and communicating.
Ethical Practices:
We value the individual development of a personal values system in giving people a
solid basis for the values they hold and the determination to stand up for what they profess
to believe.
Lifetime of Learning:
We value intellectual curiosity tempered with integrity, honesty, responsibility, and civility.
We encourage an environment of active learning where critical thinking, problemsolving,
and truth-seeking cross cultural and disciplinary lines.
Commitment to Service:
We value a commitment to serving others. We encourage an environment that provides
opportunities for community and humanitarian service.
Guiding Educational Directions: (Learning outcomes)
The following eleven leadership principles are the methods of achieving the Foundational
Concepts outlined above.
Inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis
Leaders must be able to reason well – to examine a wide range of issues rationally, logically,
and coherently and to formulate problems, draw reasonable conclusions, and feel
competent in using deductive and inductive reasoning processes.
Communication: writing, reading, speaking, listening
Leaders must know how to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and
orally, and know how to listen – to ask probing questions, to summarize with accurate,
organized notes, and to read critically.
Understanding numerical reasoning
Leaders must sharpen their ability to understand numerical data, to use mathematics and
statistics to communicate data and interpret research, to analyze what has happened, and
to draw inferences for the future.
Technological proficiency
Leaders must be able to utilize and understand the implications of relevant technology.
Historical consciousness
Rather than just remembering who discovered what when, leaders must study history as
a whole, seeing relationships between the past and present and drawing conclusions for
modern society and for themselves by discovering precipitators and trends.
Scientific content and methodology
Leaders need to distinguish between observation and inference and to understand how
theories are formed, tested, and validated.
Values
Leaders are prepared to apply their personal values to both the great and small matters
of life. In doing so, leaders assume responsibility for their own decisions and realize that
all value judgments are dependent upon one’s present understanding of truth and reality.
An openness to examine and revise one’s personal values under the demand of new
knowledge and insight is the mark of leaders who prize integrity, excellence and a lifelong
search for the truth.
Aesthetic appreciation and experience
By developing a critical and discriminating eye and ear for works of music, art, drama,
and literature, leaders gain an aesthetic sensibility and awareness for career development,
personal enjoyment, and cultural enhancement purposes.
International and multicultural understanding
Leaders must know about the cultures, economies, languages, and geographies of the
world in order to work cooperatively together to promote peace and understanding.
Competence in a specific discipline
Studying a specific discipline in depth requires focused inquiry and integration in order
to achieve some sense of effective control over a body of knowledge.
Leadership and management skills
Leaders must have strong organizational abilities and good human relations skills. They
must know how to manage complex plans well, carrying them to completion in a timely
and cost efficient manner. They must know how to work efficiently and cooperatively,
both individually and in teams, whether supervised or not.
Leadership Development Program:
1. Academic Experience
a. Leadership Core: An integrated sequence of courses designed to develop leadership, ethical practice, a lifetime of learning, and commitment to service
b. Major concentration in a selected field of personal interest
c. Electives
2. Participatory Experience
a. Intercollegiate Athletics
b. Intramurals
c. Student Government
d. Honorary and Departmental Organizations
e. Media
f. Activities in the Arts
g. Campus Ministry Activities
3. Social Experience
a. Greek Organizations
b. Special Interest Groups
c. Residence Life