Core values

We're Texas. That says a lot, and it means a lot. It means that The University of Texas is directly linked to the economy, culture and quality of life of the state of Texas.

We will not settle for anything short of being the best in everything we do. It is not in our character to settle, and it is not in the character we want to instill in future generations of Texans. We pledge to uphold our six core values — freedom, discovery, leadership, responsibility, learning and individual opportunity — in our quest to live up to the standards, the tradition and the pride of Texas and Texans.

Texas and UT are powerfully linked today through history, pride, tradition, spirit and the promise of a bright future. Our state is staking a claim in the new century as a leader in a world where knowledge is the key to economic advantage and cultural richness. In this new global, information-driven society, Texas' great hope lies in making strategic use of the resources that its flagship university can provide. To support Texas' ambitions, we must renew and increase our investment in the state's greatest source of intellectual capital - The University of Texas at Austin.

In 1997, The University embarked on a comprehensive seven-year fund-raising campaign. We have set the bar high, in keeping with the character and ambitions of our state. Our goal of $1 billion will require a major mobilization of our stakeholders. Our success will define and institutionalize the role private support will play in UT's future. As we seek your support for needed resources, we are committed to delivering a real and measurable return on your investment. We will be accountable not only for the dollars we raise but also for how well we support the aspirations of the state and live up to our core purpose: to transform lives for the benefit of society.