Mission Statement and Messaging

Westfield State University is a public institution offering accessible quality undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Our welcoming community focuses on student engagement and success. We contribute to the economic, social, and cultural growth of the northeast region by developing the knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Key Messages

Key messages combine the attributes, goals, position, and research findings to convey the mission and principal messages of the University.  These key messages should be used whenever possible and appropriate to speak about the University, whether in written or verbal communication.

Distinctive academic tradition/history

Understanding differences, Imagining possibilities

Founded by Horace Mann, Westfield State is an education leader committed to providing every generation of students with a learning experience built on its founding principle as the first public coeducational institution of higher learning in America to offer an education without barrier to gender, race, or economic class.  The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society.

Unique environment

Classic university environment

Westfield’s residential nature and beautiful setting at the base of the Berkshire Mountains offers every student a rich, classic university experience. Athletics, superb outdoor recreation, 100+ student clubs and organizations, international studies, leadership opportunities, national and international guest speakers, and close connections with the city of Westfield lend a collegial air to the future-focused Westfield learning community.

Personal Experience/Nurturing/Service

Dedicated to the growth of confident, capable individuals

When Westfield students step onto the campus for the first time, they become part of a new family. The learning experience is personalized through advising, independent study, community service, and internships. Faculty who love to teach serve as mentors for students as they pursue personal paths to learning.

Transformative Experience

The experience of the individual enriches the experience of the whole.

Students’ experiences and endeavors on and off-campus, at home, and abroad reinforce the transformative essence of the Westfield experience and make them desirable candidates for professional programs and employers.

Life-long impact

An education with a life-long impact

A Westfield education provides benefits and fosters relationships and recognition well beyond graduation.

Attributes

There is a set of attributes that represent the University and its reputation.  These attributes are based on emotional reasons why people attended Westfield, as well as emotional feelings about the University from faculty, staff, and alumni.  These attributes can be used to guide messaging and what is conveyed through a marketing message.

• Affordable
• Quality
• Convenient
• Welcoming
• Nurturing
• Beautiful campus
• Small size
• Academic excellence
• Community
• Friendly
• Vibrant