Strategic Plan: 2012 - 2016   Message from Prof. Jonathan D. Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector (video clip) University of the Free State: Strategic Plan for 2012 - 2016 (pdf format)

Vision
A university recognised across the world for excellence in academic achievement and in human reconciliation.

Mission
The university will pursue this vision through its mission:

• Setting the highest standards for undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• Recruiting the best and most diverse students and professors into the university.
• Advancing excellence in the scholarship of research, teaching and public service.
• Demonstrating in everyday practice the value of human togetherness and solidarity across social and historical divides.
• Advancing social justice by creating multiple opportunities for disadvantaged students to access the university.
• Promoting innovation, distinctiveness and leadership in both academic and human pursuits.
• Establishing transparent opportunities for lifelong learning for academic and support staff.

Values
The following five core values represent deeply-held commitments that inform every policy and steer every action. These values underpin both the Academic Project and the Human Project of this university.

• Superior Scholarship
• Human Embrace
• Institutional Distinctiveness
• Emergent Leadership
• Public Service

Motto
IN VERITATE SAPIENTIAE LUX
(In Truth is the Light of Wisdom)