Objective and values
What is our objective?
We aim to create and sustain a university in which, for the benefit of both Australia and the wider world, the brightest researchers and the most promising students, whatever their social or cultural background, can thrive and realise their full potential.
We continually drive ourselves to find new ways to be accountable to the public good – to produce ideas and people that lead to smarter solutions and richer lives.
What are our values?
The University of Sydney is a diverse community of students and staff. We value open minds, avid curiosity and a readiness to take on the big questions. We encourage vigorous debate, and we believe that differing perspectives can make good ideas even better.
Amid this diversity, a number of core values underpin everything we do as a university.
These values articulate what we believe in and stand for.
Liberation, persistence and courage
We believe that when our minds have the freedom to explore, the results benefit us all. We continually probe for new insights, and are undaunted by setbacks.
We tackle difficult questions because we have the resilience to face the answers.
Ingenuity, transformation and opportunity
We encourage intellectual journeys not for their own sake, but rather to foster a new sense of purpose, confidence and insight.
We value ability and passion regardless of a person’s background, and hold ourselves to the highest standards of rigour and originality.
Community and debate
We reach beyond our campuses to improve the lives of those who never enter our classrooms or laboratories as academics or students.
We engage in vigorous debate, internally and with our local, national and international communities. Great ideas have many owners.