Putting ambition into action: Explore Northwestern’s priorities

To help put Northwestern's ambitions into action, President Michael Schill last year announced a set of priorities that embody the University's commitments to global eminence in research, innovation and education, and the strengthening of its communities across three campuses.

Built on the foundation of eight guiding principles, the 11 priorities are amplified through a series of new webpages that provide a snapshot of Northwestern's eminence in each area.

"These priorities now guide our university, and even in the year since they were announced we have made considerable advancements that are captured within each page," Provost Kathleen Hagerty said. "The new webpages not only provide an overview of our most recent accomplishments in research, innovation and community but also hold us accountable to our commitments."

The webpages will be updated on a regular basis to ensure that, over time, they capture the breadth and depth of Northwestern's efforts, according to Jon Yates, vice president for Global Marketing and Communications.

"These dynamic web pages showcase Northwestern's hard work and continued momentum in key areas to help the University grow," Yates said. "The pages help chart our progress and update our community, providing an ever-evolving picture of what we do as a University - and why we do it."

Here are Northwestern's 11 priorities, organized under two categories:

Research and innovation

Advance the biosciences

Northwestern scientists and researchers deliver cutting-edge treatments and cures through their pathbreaking work in synthetic biology, chemistry, cancer research, public health and more.

Lead in decarbonization, renewable energy and sustainability

Northwestern's proven leadership and exceptional strengths in sustainability-focused areas are driving impactful action and solutions to the climate crisis.

Harness the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence

At Northwestern, data science and artificial intelligence spark discovery and innovation from the STEM disciplines to the arts and humanities.

Foster interdisciplinary innovation among social sciences and global studies

The reconstruction of the Jacobs Center into Northwestern's social science and global studies hub will stimulate new collaborations for liberal arts, policy research and more.

Enhance the creative and performing arts

Combining the creative and analytical is essential to Northwestern's ethos. This unique interdisciplinary approach ensures that art is accessible and thought-provoking across mediums.

Deliver an outstanding educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students

Home to some of the world's leading scholars, Northwestern gives students an immersive experience in the creation and transmission of knowledge through innovative pedagogy and hands-on research opportunities.

Community

Invest in our employees

Northwestern strives to maintain a diverse and equitable culture, a shared commitment to the institution's mission and values, and a total compensation structure that attracts and retains the very best faculty and staff.

Build resilient students and a sense of belonging

Northwestern plays an important role in helping students make successful transitions to life after college. The University provides students with resources to keep them safe and productive, and to guide them to valuable extracurricular experiences.

Promote access, opportunity and diversity

Northwestern engages deeply with its community to evaluate and refine resources and practices that foster a diverse student body.

Defend free expression and promote engagement across differences

Northwestern is addressing the growing barriers to discourse that hinder our progress as a society and is encouraging productive discussion across different corners of the university.

Enhance the student-athlete experience

Northwestern provides best-in-class facilities, comprehensive student support and collaboration between athletics and academics, challenging its student-athletes to be their best selves as athletes, students and citizens of the world.

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