I-2. Vision Statement

The mission of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, as a Catholic law school, is to integrate faith and reason in the search for truth through a focus on morality and social justice. To implement this mission, each member of the law school community is dedicated to promoting excellence in:

A. Professional Preparation

By providing, from a faith-based perspective, practical skills and theoretical legal education and mentoring, the law school commits to preparing students to become accomplished servant leaders in the practice of law, in the judiciary, in public and community service, in business, and in education. The law school’s faculty and curriculum will be distinctive in supporting and encouraging students’ integration of their faith and deepest ethical principles into their professional character and identity. Because a legal education is enhanced by a broad understanding of global society’s many challenges, the law school will also provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and experiential learning.

B. Scholarly Engagement and Societal Reform

The law school will undertake to expand knowledge about law and society and participate in the improvement of legal institutions and other organizations through recruitment and development of a faculty of outstanding teachers and scholars, sponsorship of academic lectures and interdisciplinary research activity, and establishment of a strong law library collection and staff. As members of a Catholic law school, students and faculty will particularly explore the intellectual integration of religious faith into the study of law, professional ethics, public policy, and social justice.

C. Service and Community

The law school will work to establish a diverse community of talented students, faculty, and staff dedicated to supporting and serving each other, the law school’s mission, and the local, national, and global communities. The law school, inspired by Catholic social teaching, and members of the law school community, drawing on their own faith and values, will promote and participate in service programs designed to address the needs and improve the conditions of the disadvantaged and underserved. The law school will strive to enhance social justice and will assist students in integrating their commitments to serve society into their personal and professional lives.

Adopted by the Law Faculty, March 20, 2002

 Admissions Requirements II-1