Mission

EOU guides student inquiry through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that lead to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.

As an educational, cultural and scholarly center, EOU connects the rural regions of Oregon to a wider world. Our beautiful setting and small size enhance the personal attention our students receive, while partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies and communities add to the educational possibilities of our region and state.

Values and Principles

Altruism: We give selflessly to empower one another and the University community through inclusiveness, appreciation, and stewardship.

Civility: We believe in the free and open exchange of ideas, embrace diverse backgrounds, and deliberately seek multiple perspectives.

Discovery: We honor our heritage and invest in our future with innovation, vision, and creativity.

Integrity: We uphold the foundation of professionalism, honesty, respect, and sincerity in all of our interactions.

Interdependence: We cultivate vibrant connections and relationships to enhance opportunity and success locally and globally.

Quality: We passionately pursue intellectual engagement, academic rigor, and the highest standards in all endeavors.

Statement on Freedom of Expression

In support of the free and open exchange of ideas from a diversity of perspectives, Eastern Oregon University is committed to:

The right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the U.S. and Oregon constitutions.
Freedom of expression is fundamental to the dialogue that supports learning and the development of new ideas in an institution of higher education. In this spirit, it is not the role of the university to protect individuals or groups from offensive speech but to protect the rights of individuals and groups to express themselves and to contest the expression of others. Belief that a position is offensive or false is not grounds for silencing but an opportunity for debate.
Equity and inclusion. EOU recognizes that some speech risks the climate of inclusivity necessary for equitable educational opportunity. In most circumstances, an inclusive environment is best supported by more rather than less dialogue so that ideas can be aired and addressed. In such dialogue, the university may exercise its own right to contest expression that opposes the institution’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Civility and mutual respect. While freedom of expression is most comfortably exercised in an environment of civility and mutual respect, concerns about civility cannot stifle expression.

Exceptions to the university’s commitment may occur when expression violates the law, for example, in the case of defamation, harassment, or confidentiality. Additionally, the university may limit the time, manner, and place of expression to protect ordinary operations of the institution and safety of the campus community (see 6.12.05 Facility Use Policy and 6.15.15 Public Demonstrations Policy).

This statement was approved by the EOU Faculty Senate and University Council, 2024-25.