Mission and Values
Mission Statement
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals across the lifespan within their diverse and changing relationships, families, social networks, and communities in varying contexts through:
- Exceptional research and scholarship
- Outstanding teaching and mentoring to prepare the next generation of professionals
- Active community engagement and intervention.
Values Statement
Embedded within our departmental core values of Inclusion, Integrity, Community, and Intentionality is a deep commitment to inclusive practices. We believe that our community and institution are enhanced and strengthened through interactions with and learning from people with different lived experiences, who represent all walks of life. We are committed to equally valuing all persons and their experiences in our teaching, research, and service activities. To allow for shared understanding, thoughtful conversation, and intentional action, we:
- Work to ensure that everyone has opportunities to succeed by increasing access, resources, and opportunities for all.
- Respect differences among all, including different and unique identities, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives.
- Support a welcoming culture in which differences are celebrated and a sense of belonging is fostered. Everyone is valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Implementation and Practices
HDFS is committed to equal opportunity for all persons and will not tolerate any discrimination against or harassment of persons on the basis of factors including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status, disability, age, background, lifestyle, and/or culture.
Through intentional actions, we foster inclusion, integrity community, and intentionality in all aspects of our work as a department, through advocacy, fostering inclusion, and carrying out our values through teaching, training, research, scholarship, and service.