Our Mission
Queens University of Charlotte provides transformative educational experiences that nurture intellectual curiosity, promote global understanding, encourage ethical living and prepare individuals for purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Our Vision
Queens University of Charlotte will be recognized as a leading comprehensive university, distinguished by its commitment to transforming the lives of its students and enhancing the intellectual and cultural fabric of its community.
Our Values
To fulfill its mission and its vision, Queens University of Charlotte acts upon the following values:
With our motto "Not to be served, but to serve," service opportunities are key to the Queens learning experience.
Focus on Students
We value the factors which foster student success: an intimate learning environment, excellence in teaching, intellectual curiosity and an education grounded in the liberal arts tradition, one which develops critical thinking, creativity, communication, commitment to ethical behavior, responsible citizenship and which serves as a foundation for successful and fulfilling lives.
Integrity and Respect
We value a sense of caring and community, seek to promote diversity and respect for all people and we recognize the importance of personal integrity and ethical action.
Stewardship
We value and are committed to those who learn and work at Queens, and we are proud of our university. We will responsibly manage our heritage, our resources and our reputation in the community to ensure that we remain a source of pride for our students, faculty, staff, donors and alumni.
Creativity and Innovation
We value creative and innovative thinking and acting, both in the classroom and in advancing Queens toward its vision as a leading comprehensive university and a community asset.
Service
We value responsibility and service to the society at large, in keeping with our Presbyterian connection and as expressed in our motto, "Not to be served, but to serve."
History of the Motto
The motto non ministrari sed ministrare, or "not to be served, but to serve," is not just a saying at Queens, but a way of life for students, faculty, and staff. Giving to others is one of the core principles that are taught at Queens. Queens University of Charlotte adopted the motto in 1930 from the seal of Chicora College for Women when the school merged with Queens. Non ministrari sed ministrare replaced the original Queens College motto of nisi dominus frustra which translates as "without the Lord, everything is in vain." The non ministrati sed ministrare motto is displayed to this day on Queens' current seal.
Students now do many different forms of service. In the 2011-12 academic year, students, faculty, and staff were challenged to do over 75,000 hours of community service. The Queens community exceeded this goal and completed 80,353 service hours.
Whether it is in the in class where students do service projects in the Charlotte community, or through various clubs and organizations and Greek life, or on international mission trips, the students of Queens are changing the world around them.
Honor Code
As a member of the Queens community,
I will endeavor to create a spirit of integrity
And honor for its own sake at Queens University of Charlotte.
Academic pledge: I pledge truthfulness and absolute honesty in the performance of all academic work.
Community pledge: I pledge to be truthful at all times, to treat others with respect, to respect the property of others and to adhere to university policies.
Accepting both the privileges and responsibilities of living by this code of honor, I resolve to uphold this code and not to tolerate any violations of its spirit or principles.
Students signing the honor code at the beginning of the academic year
Queens University of Charlotte is firmly committed to principles of honor and prides
itself on the spirit of trust that exists among all of its members. At the very heart
of Queens University of Charlotte is the Honor Code.
The Honor Code is based on the principle that a spirit of trust should pervade all
aspects of student life. Its essence is that any violation of the Honor Code is an
offense against the community.
The Honor Code at Queens University of Charlotte is the keystone of the University's
belief that its students should act honorably and responsibly in all aspects of life,
both on and off campus. The Honor Code incorporates the high principles of honor and
integrity in both personal conduct and academic work.
The purpose of the Honor Code is to assist in the development of mature men and women
who act responsibly at all times and promote a community based on the principles of
responsible citizenship, mutual trust and respect.
The Honor Code is binding on all members of the University community and applies to
all phases of life at the University.
An effective Honor Code depends upon each student adhering to the spirit and letter
of its principles. It demands accountability on the part of each student for his or
her actions. Queens students are responsible for their personal conduct at all times
and shall be subject to review, including possible suspension, for behavior that discredits
themselves or the University.
As a commitment to this system of honor, students are asked to sign the Honor Code
as part of their application for admission.
The Honor Code incorporates two different pledges of student conduct: the academic
pledge and the community pledge. In addition, it embodies the individual's commitment
to develop a community of honor, including taking action against those who violate
the Code.