Vision, Mission and Values for Criminal Justice Ph.D. Program

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be the premier student-centered Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice in the Northeast region, with a national and international reputation for academic excellence among students, faculty, alumni, and peers.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide rigorous doctoral education to high-caliber Ph.D. students, who are taught and mentored by talented and dedicated faculty. In fulfilling this mission, we strive to create and maintain:

  • a culture of collaboration, with clear and consistent communication
  • opportunities for student teaching, research, and engagement
  • support and recognition of faculty teaching, research, and service
  • professional development of both students and faculty
  • evidence of success and national prominence within the discipline of criminology and criminal justice

Ph.D. Program Values, as indicated in the University of New Haven Charger Compact

Developed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff, the Charger Compact is the University of New Haven's statement of community values.

As a University community, there are values and expectations that we all share, which provide the framework for how we interact as individual members of the community and speak to who we are and what we stand for as a community.

As a member of the University of New Haven community:

1. I will strive for academic excellence.
Striving for academic excellence means developing ways to motivate myself to reach my full academic potential, taking full advantage of university resources, and seeking experiential education opportunities to maximize my learning.

2. I will assume responsibility for my words, actions and inaction.
Assuming responsibility for my words, actions and inaction means considering consequences before acting, resolving issues in a non-violent manner, holding myself and others accountable for choices made and reflecting on my mistakes.

3. I will respect the dignity, rights and property of all persons.
Respecting the dignity, rights and property of all persons means insuring that my actions reflect an appreciation for the uniqueness of all community members as well as a respect for individual and community property.

4. I will strive to appreciate, respect and learn from others whose experiences and opinions are different from mine.
Striving to appreciate and learn from others whose experiences and opinions are different from mine means actively seeking opportunities to exchange ideas and personal histories with others.

5. I will conduct my academic and personal life with integrity.
Conducting my academic and personal life with integrity means authentically representing myself through my words and actions.

6. I will strive to contribute positively to the campus, local and global communities.
Striving to contribute positively to the campus, local and global communities means committing to being a proactive contributor whose community engagement reflects the goal of creating a better present and future for all.

Endorsed by: Undergraduate Student Government Association, Graduate Student Council, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and President Steven Kaplan