Mission, vision, and values

H�� University's mission, vision, and values are focused on respect and inclusion in all of our academic, research, and civic priorities.

Our mission

To lift the intellectual, social, and economic vitality of our local, national, and global communities through an institution-wide commitment to a world-class student experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mutual respect and inclusion in all aspects of our academic, research, and civic priorities.��

Our vision

H�� inspires our diverse community to serve Nova Scotia, Canada, and the world through innovative and impactful teaching and research, world-class scholarship, a passion for learning, and a deep sense of social responsibility.��

Our values

We are committed to the principles of academic freedom in all areas of teaching and research, and remain dedicated to scholarly autonomy, intellectual integrity, and accountability. Through our teaching, research, and administration, we commit to discourse, dialogue, and language that is open, inclusive, and respectful.��

Academic programs that attract and retain a diverse mix of outstanding students, scholars, researchers, and staff are at the core of our mission. We are a research-intensive university grounded in a legacy of discovery, academic excellence, and community service that defines our approach to teaching and learning.

Visit the Office of the Provost and VP Academic

Ongoing commitments to achieve inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) are integral to H��’s vision, mission, actions, culture, and how we interact with one another on a daily basis. These obligations extend to redressing historical and ongoing systemic inequalities among our citizenry.

We remain committed to facilitating and celebrating the success of our African Nova Scotian communities, and to reconciliation and continued work to build integrity in H��’s relationship with Canada’s First Peoples, especially the Mi’kmaq on whose lands we are privileged to share.��

While affirming our commitment to a holistic approach to shape individuals with life-ready knowledge and skills, we will deliver on our learners’ interest in connecting their programs to rapidly evolving and emerging future career opportunities while making positive and impactful contributions to society.��

We exist because of support from our communities. In turn, H�� has an ongoing responsibility to engage, connect with, and support our communities. We are committed to being a strategic partner in promoting the economic development and social vitality of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic provinces through our actions, including creating and fostering growth opportunities through impactful and collaborative research, scholarship, and partnerships.

Befitting a civic university, these obligations extend to fostering the capacity to overcome structural challenges by reducing disparities the region has endured within Canada. H�� will play a critical role in that journey as a citizen of Nova Scotia with an ongoing responsibility to engage, connect with, and support the local communities not as an elite institution separate from the daily affairs of our public, but as a member of our public.

Through our teaching, research, and service, we will expand understanding and adherence to the core principles of sustainability, advance knowledge about climate change, and help to catalyze evidence-based solutions (A Charter for Canadian Universities, June 2020).

We remain committed to supporting actions that are consistent with the Charter, and will continue our important work towards fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.��

We will create work and learning environments grounded in respect and support, guided by a shared responsibility for equitable access and the well-being of our faculty, staff, and students.��

Living our values

Excellence in teaching, research, and service

H�� uniquely combines groundbreaking research together with outstanding scholarship in a collaborative environment that empowers our students, professors, and researchers to make a positive impact.

Learn how Dal is creating an exceptional student experience Discover how Dal is building on our high-impact research

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Impact on global goals

H�� is committed to the important work of fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to achieve meaningful progress for people and the planet across 17 wide-reaching areas by 2030.

See how Dal is making impact on these important global goals

Sustainability

At H��, sustainability is woven into everything we do. Through our teaching, research, and service, we are advancing knowledge, discovering solutions and incorporating sustainability concepts and criteria into policy and planning, building and retrofit projects, and operations.

Explore sustainability at Dal

Ralph M. Medjuck building on the Sexton campus in Halifax

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

H�� is committed to continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) to create a culture of mutual respect, accountability and collaboration for all.

Find resources and discover the progress Dal is making toward EDIA

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Dal and the community

Our communities have made us the outstanding institution we are today and in turn, H�� works to engage, connect with, and support our local communities.��

Explore Dal's community partnerships and connections

Rear view of H�� students and mascots on a colourful float in the Halifax Pride Parade.

Government and global relations

H�� is becoming a true catalyst for societal and economic development through a variety of partnership and opportunities within our province, our region, and across our global connections.

Learn more about government and global relations at Dal

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African Nova Scotian connections

We recognize the African Nova Scotian community as a distinct people with unique needs and talents. Through implementation of our African Nova Scotian Strategy, we are creating safe, culturally-specific academic, research, social, intellectual, and physical spaces to nourish and facilitate meaningful and safe integration both on our campuses and in our engagements with the broader African Nova Scotian community.

Explore African Nova Scotian connections at Dal

Colourful and vibrant quilts created by African Nova Scotian artisans exhibited at the H�� Art Gallery.

Mi'kmaq and Indigenous Relations

We are committed to developing deep and meaningful partnerships and relationships with Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island, in particular to the Mi’kmaw Nation on whose territory H��’s campuses reside. Through our Indigenous Strategy, we are improving access and success for Indigenous students, researchers, faculty, and staff and participating in the ongoing decolonization of higher education and research.��

Mi'kmaq and Indigenous relations at Dal

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