The Center for Mission & Belonging

Throughout the Mount’s rich history, our continual pursuit of excellence has been shaped by a responsibility to live our Mission through social justice.  As the number of students attending the Mount continues to grow, our campus continues to become more diverse.  Never has there been a more important time to build an infrastructure to foster respect and care for all persons and embrace the diversity of cultures and beliefs, as stated in our Mission.

In 2023, the Mount established The Center for Mission & Belonging, a hub for students, faculty, and staff to access services and resources related to Mission, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The Mount recognizes that diversity extends beyond race, ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual orientation, ability, and any other protected or non-protected class or identifier that makes us unique in our own rights. We also acknowledge that barriers exist for some individuals and groups over others in the pursuit of academic excellence and the integration of life and learning. 

Through collaboration across campus and beyond, The Center will promote the success of all persons in their educational, extracurricular, and career pursuits.  The Center’s impact will be felt throughout our campus culture, ensuring that all members of the Mount Community feel a true sense of belonging. 

Our Mission Statement

Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic academic community grounded in the spiritual values and vision of its founders, the Sisters of Charity. The University educates its students through interdisciplinary liberal arts, and professional curricula emphasizing values, integrity, and social responsibility. 

Members of the MSJ community embrace:

• Excellence in academic endeavors
• The integration of life and learning
• Respect and concern for all persons
• Diversity of cultures and beliefs
• Service to others.

Our Services and Resources 

Among the many services and resources provided by The Center for Mission & Belonging are:

• Events that celebrate the Mount’s Mission;
• Events that celebrate the diversity of the Mount Community;
• Programs that promote the exploration of our differences and shared connections, and that facilitate meaningful and respectful dialogue;
• Books and information that relate to topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion;  
• Support for the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff;
• Support for Mount student and employee affinity groups;
• Leadership for the Mount’s Council on Inclusive Excellence; and,
• Leadership for the Mount’s Mission Committee.