Vision Statement
The College of Arts and Letters will be recognized as an innovative leader in liberal arts education and
interdisciplinary studies in the mid-Atlantic region, acknowledged for its ability to prepare students to be
critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, effective communicators, and engaged citizens.

Mission Statement
As the largest and most diverse college on campus, the College of Arts and Letters serves as a core
intellectual and cultural center for ODU and the communities it serves, promoting and extending knowledge of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Our students become engaged citizens and skilled professionals through learning opportunities that foster:

• Appreciation of the diverse cultural and aesthetic heritage of humankind, recognition of the challenges
  that face contemporary societies, and understanding of the complexities of human experience;
• Development of the essential skills of critical reading and thinking, effective communication,
  technological proficiency, and creative problem solving.
• Cultivation of the qualities of intellectual honesty, freedom of thought, ethical action, and dedication to
  equity, inclusivity, and justice. These qualities enable students to successfully navigate the challenges
  of work and citizenship in an increasingly globalized world.
  

The College and its faculty are committed to active scholarship that integrates innovative teaching with
internationally-recognized research and creative endeavors. The College provides both graduate and
undergraduate students with valuable opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and
transformational learning experiences. The College also offers advanced training and qualifications in a
variety of fields, preparing graduate students for further research and professional careers.