Introduction

A Christian Liberal Arts University

Why choose the additional expense of a private Christian university? Certainly, many are drawn by the tradition of academic excellence. But, truthfully, program excellence can found elsewhere. Many, especially parents, are attracted to the safety and reliability of the Christian culture. While these, and many others, are valid considerations, we hope that what really convinces the academic consumer is a belief that a Christian Liberal Arts education is one of the best settings in the world to holistically train for vocation, mature in faith and be roundly developed as a created human being.

It was once believed that a good education made a better human being. It was not simply about specialized knowledge, but it was more about the development of particular capacities of the human mind and soul. It was understood, that knowledge of all types fit under the banner of God’s truth and that the study of them drew the person up; literally lifted them up to a higher potential. And so it was that many great schools were launched in the honor of Jesus’ name.
It seems now that many pursue a university education like vocational school; completing the paperwork they will need to do their job, presumably to make more money. Haven’t we lost something? Haven’t we lost the commitment to the development of the entire person? Not at the Christian university. Specifically, not at Northwest University. Here still lies the heart of the original intent – to develop the whole person to fulfill God’s callings throughout their life.

Northwest University Mission Statement

The mission of Northwest University is to provide, in a distinctly evangelical Christian environment, quality education to prepare students for service and leadership.

The University experience should: develop the whole person through general studies integrated with biblical knowledge; include professional and vocational skills in the student’s preparation for service in the world; and help to fulfill the Great Commission and to propagate the historic faith of the sponsoring church.

Northwest University Vision Statement - “Carry the Call”

Carry the Call - Heart: The founders of Northwest University built a community of faith and learning, focused on serving people who are pursuing God’s call on their lives. God continues to call every person to a life of faithful, devoted service. Northwest University is committed to being a University of choice for students passionate about confirming and clarifying God’s call.

Carry the Call - Head: The response to God’s call is the development of exceptional character and competence. A passionate commitment to scholarship and discipleship grows out a worldview anchored in the Bible. Northwest University integrates faith and truth with effective teaching in Ministry, Humanities, Science and the Professions.

Carry the Call - Hand : Northwest University finds its crowning joy in thousands of alumni serving in nearly every profession around the world…they are people showing Christ’s love through the hand of compassion. Our faculty model lives of wholehearted service. Our students make an impact for the Kingdom in numerous outreaches and ministries. Northwest University is committed to preparing people for service and leadership, doing God’s work in God’s world.

Community Core Values and Character Outcomes

The Mission and Vision statements of Northwest University find expression in the community life Core Values and Character Outcomes that serve as the driving force for living and learning at the University. It is precisely Northwest University’s commitment to total integration that gives it an unparalleled ability to develop a student of premier capacities. From classroom, to chapel, from community center to dorm room, Northwest University is committed to maturing and developing the whole human being. Accordingly, we have developed a list of core values and character outcomes that we want to see developed in the Northwest University student. These Values and Outcomes work in cooperation with the Mission and Vision to guide the total environment of this learning community.

Graduates of a Northwest University will be:

RIGOROUS SCHOLARS

Characterized by…

Critical Thinking

Understanding and being comfortable with primary thinking tools and common theories
Able to develop, maintain and defend a sound Christian worldview

Lifelong Learning

Having the necessary tools for the assimilation of new information
Having the constant desire for new information and experience
Able to create learning communities where collaborative discovery takes place

PASSIONATE DISCIPLES

Characterized by…

Robust Christian Character

Eager to worship with all of their body, mind, soul and strength
Demonstrating the Fruits of the Spirit
Seeking God’s direction for all life decisions

Spiritual Discipline

Being Biblically literate
Committed to prayer, fasting and meditation
Faithfully engaged with their local church
Passionate for evangelism and discipleship

WISE STEWARDS

Characterized by…

Good Management of Time, Resources and Education

Leading well-balanced lives

Of excellence to their vocational calling (currently education)
Of appropriate rest, relaxation and recreation in accordance with the Sabbath principle
Deliberately using the remainder of their time for the advancement of the Kingdom, the service of others and the improvement of self

Regularly and joyfully submitting their tithe
Prudently living within their means
Understanding the privilege of giving and philanthropic work
Able to articulate the value of a full Liberal Arts education

Emotional Adjustment

Having developed a healthy awareness of self, ontological value and purpose
Able to manage complex painful emotions: anxiety, anger, depression, guilt, etc.
Open to exploring a full range of positive emotions: wonder, relief, sympathy, etc.
Able to develop mature interpersonal relationships

Physical Awareness

Appreciating the value of healthy living
Having the appropriate perspectives for good self-image
Including physical activity as an important aspect of life

COMPASSIONATE CITIZENS

Characterized by…

Caring and Competent Social Skills

In personal hygiene and attire
In common etiquette
In appropriate interpersonal, group and professional interaction
Having the ability to easily adjust to new situations and responsibilities

Responsible World Citizenship

Aware of important local, national and world debates, issues and events
Actively involved by informed voting and public advocacy
Racially and culturally aware, having the appropriate balance of appreciation and conviction
Compassionate with regard for the hurting, broken and marginalized

INTEGRITY DRIVEN LEADERS

Characterized by…

Servant leadership

Embodying the Kingdom principles of servant leadership
Embracing and incorporating the ideas of coworkers and subordinates.
Showing evident personal integrity

Strong Communication

Able to form persuasive written arguments
Able to translate ideas into clear oral statements

To that end, Student Development, in cooperation with The Office of the Provost and Campus Ministries, is building a proactive and comprehensive student life program to establish those critical connections between students, faculty and staff that will result in academic success, a solid Christian worldview and life-long relationships. The Program is called LINKS.

LINKS is a campus wide attempt to carefully identify, codify, develop and communicate all of the extra-classroom opportunities that are available. This proactive approach helps us find the demographic and emphasis gaps or excesses in our student life programs and develop new initiatives to meet the needs of our learning community members.

Our Reconciliation Statement

Whereas we believe that :

every person, regardless of ability, age, gender, race, and ethnicity shares equally in the image of God; all are sinners and that we equally partake of the consequences of sin; Jesus Christ died for all and that we equally have access to redemption; God is sovereign and that He calls into His service whomever He chooses and that He gifts and equips those He calls in order that they might accomplish that calling; there is hope for all believers for fellowship with the Lord and with each other presently in His Church and in His coming Kingdom.

Be it resolved that :

we, as members of the Northwest University community, desire the equality of opportunity and respect that results from true Christian community where we cherish unity in diversity and practice mutual support as evidence of God’s presence, by His Holy Spirit, in us;

we seek forgiveness for all attitudes, language, and actions that have intentionally or unintentionally contributed to discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, and age within the Northwest University community and within the society in which God has placed us;

we pledge not to engage intentionally in any act that would result in unlawful discrimination against any person, or group of persons, based upon race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability or age;

we pledge to engage our University community in activities and communications that will develop greater awareness and sensitivity to interpersonal intolerances that would be considered unacceptable by biblical teachings and would lead to tolerance that is reflective of God’s character;

we further pledge to develop ongoing formal and informal opportunities to facilitate the process of reconciliation of God-honoring relationships among all people, based upon the clear call of God through the Scriptures;

we commit ourselves to dialogue, study, and affirming initiatives and actions designed to enable us to bear one another’s burdens and rejoice in the privilege of fulfilling the law of Christ.

Northwest University Supporting Documents

The Mission and Vision statements are supported by the Educational Philosophy, the Educational Goals, the Community Affirmation Statement, the Statement of Faith, the
Reconciliation Statement, and the Seal of the University. All these documents are located in the University Academic catalog for easy reference.