Mission & Values

Mission Statement

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a community of motivated and intellectually committed individuals who explore justice in its many dimensions. The College’s liberal arts curriculum equips students to pursue advanced study and meaningful, rewarding careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Our professional programs introduce students to foundational and newly emerging fields and prepare them for advancement within their chosen professions.

Our students are eager to engage in original research and experiential learning, excited to study in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and passionate about shaping the future. Through their studies our students prepare for ethical leadership, global citizenship, and engaged service. 

Our faculty members are exceptional teachers who encourage students to join them in pursuing transformative scholarship and creative activities. Through their research our faculty advances knowledge and informs professional practices that build and sustain just societies.

We foster an inclusive and diverse community drawn from our city, our country, and the world. We are dedicated to educating traditionally underrepresented groups and committed to increasing diversity in the workforce. The breadth of our community motivates us to question our assumptions, to consider multiple perspectives, to think critically, and to develop the humility that comes with global understanding. We educate fierce advocates for justice.

Values Statement

As a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution of higher education in New York City, grounded by our commitment to advancing justice in its many dimensions, we recognize these interrelated core values as fundamental to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice community: (in alphabetical order) 

Diversity: Explore, support, and respect the many voices within our community, fostering an inclusive environment that represents the many racial, religious, ethnic, gender, sexual, socioeconomic, political, cultural, age, and ability identities that make our community thrive.

Equity: Confront and respectfully disrupt biases, stereotypes, and discrimination by creating and implementing opportunities for equal access and success for underserved communities.

Integrity: Promote honesty, transparency, and empathy in our actions and communications—at all levels within our community—by adhering to the highest moral and ethical standards in our personal and professional behavior.

Justice: Act fairly and ethically to build an environment that offers every individual equal opportunities to grow and flourish.

Learning and Scholarship: Engage in transformative teaching and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, support and pursue scholarship and creative activities, practice intellectual curiosity, strive for academic and professional excellence, and foster lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Respect: Honor each other’s identities, ideas, values, and humanity partnered with a commitment to courtesy, civility, and kindness.