Vision, Mission, Guiding Values

This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.

The Vision for Norwich University

Norwich University will be a learning community, American in character yet global in perspective; engaged in personal and intellectual transformation, and dedicated to knowledge, mutual respect, creativity, and service.

The Mission of Norwich University

To give our youth an education that shall be American in its character – to enable them to act as well as to think – to execute as well as to conceive – “to tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them” – to make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon a citizen in this free republic.

Statement of Guiding Values

Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, U. S. Army, and is the oldest private military college in the country. Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional age students in a Corps of Cadets or as civilians, and adult students. Norwich identifies the following as our guiding values:

  1. We are men and women of honor and integrity. We shall not tolerate those who lie, cheat, or steal.
  2. We are dedicated to learning, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, creativity, and critical thinking.
  3. We accept the right to diverse points of view as a cornerstone of our democracy.
  4. We encourage service to nation and others before self.
  5. We stress being physically fit, and drug-free.
  6. We live the Norwich motto, "I will try!" — meaning perseverance in the face of adversity.
  7. We stress self-discipline, personal responsibility, and respect for law.
  8. We hold in highest esteem our people and reputation.