About

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State is a co-educational, residential university committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities and promoting the highest academic standards in teaching, scholarship, and community service. Serving more than 20,000 students, our six colleges offer 178 undergraduate majors, 77 minors, 102 master’s programs, 18 doctoral degrees, and 42 certificate options. We have repeatedly been named a “Great Place to Work” by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Illinois State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our mission.

Vision

Illinois State University, a first-choice public university, will be increasingly recognized as a national leader for educating high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized and transformative experience at an institution that:

• Offers premier undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate traditional knowledge and methods with emerging ideas and innovations
• Generates knowledge through high-quality research, scholarship, and creative activities
• Supports student learning and development inside and outside of the classroom
• Serves the region, state, nation, and world through its commitments to responsible stewardship, meaningful civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and the development of global citizens

Mission

We at Illinois State University work as a diverse community of scholars with a commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities. We promote the highest academic standards in our teaching, scholarship, public service and the connections we build among them. We devote all of our resources and energies to creating the most supportive and productive community possible to serve the citizens of Illinois and beyond.

Values

Pursuit of Learning and Scholarship

Illinois State University works with students as partners in their educational development inside and outside of the classroom so that students come to appreciate learning as an active and lifelong process. The University contributes new knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative activities in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate. Faculty members embrace a balanced teacher–scholar model that values their contributions as teachers (facilitators of learning) and scholars (creators and discoverers of knowledge and information). 

Individualized Attention

Illinois State University provides a supportive environment that places all learners at the center of teaching and scholarship. Innovative curricular and cocurricular programs, strong student-faculty-staff connections, and superior student services focus on each student as an individual. The University fosters academic and personal growth, recognizes unique educational aspirations, and acknowledges that each faculty and staff member is integral to student success.

Diversity

Illinois State University affirms and encourages community and a respect for differences by fostering an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding, ethical behavior, and social justice. The University supports a diverse faculty and staff who mentor a diverse student population. The University endeavors to provide opportunities for all students, staff, and faculty to participate in a global society.

Integrity

Illinois State University promotes an environment defined by the highest ethical standards. Leadership of the University is characterized by stability, adherence to shared values, collaborative decision making, and accountable stewardship of all university resources. Members of the University community work collaboratively through shared governance to ensure the success of the University and are dedicated to making ongoing improvements, always enhancing their contribution to Illinois State University and building on prior accomplishments. Teaching and learning, including research and creative activities, are conducted at the highest level of academic quality and integrity.

Civic Engagement

Illinois State University prepares students to be informed and engaged global citizens who will promote and further the goals of society. The University promotes active learning experiences through which students will gain an awareness and understanding of civic engagement as a lifelong responsibility. The University partners with business, industry, government, and educational entities providing leadership in local, statewide, national, and international initiatives; expanding service and outreach; and enhancing financial support for instructional, scholarly, and service activities.

Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed by contacting the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu, by calling (309) 438-3383, or by mail at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790.