Our Mission & Vision

Our mission, vision, and values guide us in everything we do.

Who we are. What we value. What we strive to accomplish. 

Established in 1994, Cal State Monterey Bay is guided and inspired by its founding vision statement—to become a collaborative intellectual community that serves the diverse people of California through high-quality, innovative education. 

Read About Our History 

Mission

To prepare students to contribute responsibly to California and the global community by providing transformative learning experiences in an inclusive environment.

Vision 

We will be recognized as a premier comprehensive university that prepares reflective practitioners, innovative leaders, and thriving citizens dedicated to the public good.

Values

We have identified nine core values based on our Vision. These provide a common focus for our academic programming, enrollment efforts, budgeting, fundraising, and general operations.

  1. Student-centeredness
  2. Intellectual Curiosity
  3. Creativity and Innovation
  4. Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect
  5. Community and Belonging
  6. Service and Civic Engagement
  7. Sustainability
  8. Global Orientation
  9. Health and Wellness

Strategic Plan

Our strategic plan serves as a reminder of what we value most. This living document continues to inform us as we set priorities, establish processes, make budget decisions, and evaluate our effectiveness. 

Every few years we evaluate this strategic plan and update or add priorities based on our region’s needs. Read the most recent executive summary here.

 

Making Waves, Transforming Futures

The Cal State Monterey Bay Strategic Plan is a collaborative effort, shaped through the active engagement of the entire Otter community. Together, we will transform the future of our students.

We define enhancing Cal State Monterey Bay's reputation as a leading institution in higher education by leveraging its inspiring coastal environment, vibrant community and innovative academic programs. This means deepening community connections, building partnerships and showcasing our commitment to academic excellence and transformative student experiences. Together, we create an environment that empowers students to excel and inspires them to lead with compassion and purpose.

Guided by a commitment to student well-being and growth, we cultivate an inclusive, supportive environment where students can thrive academically, personally and professionally. By embracing a personalized approach, we prepare students to lead with integrity, purpose and compassion in their communities and beyond.

CSUMB thrives as a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel connected and valued. Together, we build a united campus community that fosters lifelong connections and empowers everyone to make a difference. This pillar reflects our commitment to diversity, equity and a shared sense of belonging rooted in mutual respect and support.

Stewarding resources thoughtfully and sustainably ensures we maintain the vibrant and inspiring experience CSUMB offers while advancing our mission and values. By investing in people, infrastructure and processes, we secure a future where the university continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.

Our Mission & Vision in Action

View All News