About Us # Our mission and values At University of Phoenix, our students are at the heart of all we do. That's why we empower them to pursue their aspirations through accessible, career-focused higher education. ## Our mission The mission of University of Phoenix is to provide access to higher education opportunities that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the performance of their organizations and provide leadership and service to their communities.  ## Our vision The vision of University of Phoenix is to be recognized as the most trusted provider of career-relevant higher education for working adults. The University will earn that trust through our: ### Related links --- [Accreditation](/about/accreditation.html) [Career services](/career-services.html) [Career-relevant skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) [Student accommodations](/student-resources/student-accommodations.html) [University learning goals](/about/learning-goals.html) Deep understanding of students’ needs World-class assessment, analytics and innovation Deep understanding of employers’ needs Operational excellence Deep understanding of students’ needs Deep understanding of employers’ needs World-class assessment, analytics and innovation Operational excellence #### Related links --- [Accreditation](/about/accreditation.html) [Career services](/career-services.html) [Career-relevant skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) [Student accommodations](/student-resources/student-accommodations.html) [University learning goals](/about/learning-goals.html) “ In a new era of growing emphasis on skills in employer hiring practices, we are empowering learners and job seekers with degrees that contain skills employers want.” **John Woods, PhD** Provost and Chief Academic Officer ## Our core values ### Brave Greatness doesn’t come from being comfortable. Our founder, John Sperling, knew it. When he saw that traditional college classes were out of reach for working adults, he dared to hold classes at night, then online. To move the University forward, we channel that entrepreneurial spirit by saying what needs to be said, challenging the status quo, and having the fortitude to innovate. ### Honest To be the most trusted provider of higher education for working adults, we must show an unparalleled level of transparency. That means being honest with students, alumni, employers and, most importantly, each other — even when it’s hard. We keep our word and follow through on promises. Together, we acknowledge our failures, learn from them and pivot quickly. ### Focused If we want to be known for what we do, we have to do it better than anyone else. That can only happen when we center everything on our students, work on initiatives that support their needs, reduce complexity and do fewer things, better. Quality over quantity is more than a mantra — it’s our way forward. ## Let’s talk about how we can help you reach your goals. [Call 800-546-8071](tel:800-546-8071)[Request info](/request/request-information/)[Find your program](/online-degrees/find-your-program.html) ### Our guiding principles Expand AllCollapse All #### Our students **We believe our students:** - Deserve quality academic programs that are career-relevant and are offered by an accredited institution - Should be supported by qualified staff and faculty, as well as by University efforts to help aid them on the path to graduation - Should be the singular reason we continue to advance the quality, career-relevance and convenience of our academic programs - Are entitled to transparency so they can make informed choices about their educational and financial future - Should have the freedom and ability to choose the educational institution that best meets their needs #### Our University **We believe, as an institution, we should:** - Ensure we are valuing students’ time and money. - Market responsibly and demonstrate integrity in all of our materials, exposures and engagements - Collaborate with employers, public or government officials and regulators, researchers and peer institutions to enhance the experiences and outcomes for our students - Be accountable to our students, our regulators and the general public for delivering skills, knowledge and opportunities through our educational programs - Maintain financial stability as a measure of accountability to students, a means to provide for the long-term viability of our programs and an indicator of our ability to invest in the student experience ### Related articles - [Why College Is Important and How to Go Back as an Adult](/blog/why-go-to-college.html) — University Life | June 15, 2021 • 10 minute read - [What is a First-Generation College Student?](/blog/first-generation-college-students.html) — University Life | January 31, 2022 • 11 minutes - [Balancing Life and Learning? UOPX’s Empathetic Approach Can Help](/blog/empathy-and-rigor-in-the-classroom.html) — University Life | November 07, 2023 • 7 minutes