Content List

Two display options:

  • Callout (used in the plan framework and core belief examples below)
  • Card (used in the strategic plan examples below)

The plan’s guiding framework

The following elements are foundational to our strategic plan and were validated through the planning process, which included significant input from student, faculty, staff, and alumni leaders; members of the Board of Trustees; and community partners.

  • MOTTO Meliora (ever better)

    Adopted in 1851, Meliora is more than a motto. It is the singular—and unifying—essence of the University of Rochester, which is deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of our community.

  • MISSION Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better

    The aspirational embodiment of the motto, our mission defines what we do and why we do it.

  • VISION The University of Rochester will continue to frame and solve the greatest challenges of the future.

    We are a community with an entrepreneurial spirit where all can pursue and achieve their highest objectives for themselves, their community, and the world.

  • VALUES Equity | Leadership | Integrity | Openness | Respect | Accountability

    We hold ourselves accountable to these values in the design of our programs, the development and delivery of our services, the evaluation of performance, and the ways in which we interact as a community.

Core beliefs

Three essential beliefs, shared throughout our community, are at the heart of our strategic plan as we look forward and collectively consider what it means to be a global research university of the future. The five goals identified in this plan contribute to furthering these central ideas.

  • Strengthening our reputation as a global research university

    Position ourselves to attract the best students, faculty, staff, researchers, partners, and funding and distinguish ourselves as leaders among our competitive peers.

  • Contributing to and benefiting from a just and vibrant city of Rochester and the Rochester Region

    Our future is inextricably linked to the city we call home, and we are committed to continued economic, educational, social, and cultural partnerships with the greater Rochester community.

  • Furthering our commitment to actionable and accountable growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice

    This commitment is vital to cultivating a rich, diverse, and welcoming culture where everyone can achieve their full potential and contribute to the University of Rochester’s mission and vision.

Strategic plan goals

Bold and transformational goals will guide the University of Rochester towards framing and solving the greatest challenges of the future.

  • Goal 1: Research Excellence and Global Reputation

    Increase our reputation as a leading global research institution by investing in innovation and growth in our areas of distinction.

    Explore Goal #1

  • Goal 2: Exceptional Undergraduate and Graduate Education

    Reimagine undergraduate and graduate education at a research-intensive institution.

    Explore Goal #2

  • Goal 3: Health Care of the Highest Order

    Reinforce and further enhance our position as a leading national academic medical center.

    Explore Goal #3

  • Goal 4: Faculty and Staff Success

    Cultivate an inclusive culture that prioritizes the well-being, development, engagement, success, and diversity of our people.

    Explore Goal #4

  • Goal 5: Finance and Operational Model

    Implement a new University finance and operational model that will enable future and sustainable growth and success.

    Explore Goal #5

Strategic plan inputs

The University’s strategic plan is shaped by information and direction from several sources. From the original pathways and focus groups to our accreditation process and insights from the Board of Trustees, the planning process continues to be inclusive, collaborative, and broadly co-constructed.

  • President Vision + Priorities

    Ideas and concepts that President Mangelsdorf has identified for the future of the University of Rochester.

  • Data + Benchmarking

    Academic Analytics, Consultant insights, trends and benchmarking.

  • Board of Trustees

    February 2022 working session gathering insights from Board members.

  • School + Unit Plans / Reports

    Spring 2022 school and unit strategic plans and reports connecting plans and goals for the future.

  • Accreditation

    Middle States Accreditation process kicking off that will allow us to examine various aspects of our organization.

  • Pathway Work Groups

    Five pathway groups led by university leaders to gather insights and ideas.