Introduction

Introduction

“An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don’t.”

- Anatole France

As the world grows more complex yet increasingly connected...

As both imagination and ethical responsibility are required for
a healthy future…

And as traditional modes of education need to be examined and
enhanced for both student and teacher…

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls stands ready.

In 2007, we unveiled a bold strategic plan, titled “Living the Promise.” The beneficiary of great minds and visionary leadership, “Living the Promise” is our model to ensure this institution remains a timeless source of knowledge, guidance and inspiration for our students, our community and our world.

Guiding the strategic plan is an overall commitment -- indeed, a promise -- that the university will promote the power of learning as the ultimate resource our students can call their own. It’s a promise that the intellectual pursuits that mark students’ days here become nothing less than a lifestyle, an unending quest to know and understand more of the challenging world in which they’ll live, work and pursue their dreams.

Yet the promise incorporates a spirit of outward movement as well, of students and graduates contributing to their world in lasting and meaningful ways. Community engagement, public service, inclusiveness and ethical behavior are among the core values we strive to instill in every River Falls student, values that are championed in “Living the Promise.”

As a dynamic, explicit blueprint for an institution devoted to excellence, this plan assures that students here will not only be prepared for a challenging future, but will always welcome it.

A transformation is underway. This is our promise.

Table of Contents

Introduction

“An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don’t.”