Walden University’s Mission for Social Change
Introduction
Walden University was founded in 1970 with a vision of combining academic excellence with a commitment to positive social change. This mission remains central to its identity, guiding students, faculty, and alumni to use knowledge not only for personal advancement but also for improving society. Walden defines social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies.
1. Core Philosophy
Education for Impact: Walden believes that higher education should empower learners to make meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.
Social Justice: The mission emphasizes equity, inclusion, and advocacy for marginalized populations.
Global Reach: Social change is viewed as both local and global, addressing issues from community health to environmental sustainability.
Empowerment: Students are encouraged to become “change agents” in their professions and communities.
2. Strategic Objectives
Walden’s Center for Social Change outlines three strategic objectives:
Empower Change Makers: Equip students and alumni with tools to lead initiatives.
Build Community: Foster collaboration among learners, faculty, and partners.
Elevate Outcomes: Measure and showcase the impact of social change projects.
3. Integration into Academic Programs
Curriculum Design: Courses embed social change themes, encouraging critical thinking about societal issues.
Capstone Projects: Many programs require projects that address real‑world problems.
Research: Faculty and students conduct applied research aimed at solving community challenges.
Service Learning: Opportunities to engage in volunteerism and community partnerships.
4. Examples of Social Change Initiatives
Healthcare: Alumni advocating for patient rights and equitable access.
Education: Graduates improving literacy and educational equity in underserved communities.
Environmental Sustainability: Projects addressing climate change and resource conservation.
Social Advocacy: Efforts to combat domestic violence, bias in law enforcement, and systemic racism.
5. Role of the Center for Social Change
Serves as a hub for resources, networking, and collaboration.
Provides platforms for students and alumni to share projects.
Offers grants and support for community initiatives.
Promotes scholarship that advances social change.
6. Alumni and Student Impact
Walden alumni are recognized for leadership in nonprofits, education, healthcare, and government.
Students often integrate social change into their professional roles, influencing policy and practice.
The alumni network amplifies collective impact across diverse fields.
7. Values Underpinning the Mission
Integrity: Commitment to ethical practice.
Respect: Valuing diversity and cultural differences.
Innovation: Using creativity to solve complex problems.
Collaboration: Partnering across disciplines and communities.
8. Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Balancing academic rigor with activism.
Measuring long‑term impact of social change initiatives.
Addressing global inequities across diverse contexts.
Opportunities:
Leveraging technology for global collaboration.
Expanding partnerships with NGOs and governments.
Preparing graduates for leadership in social justice movements.
9. Practical Application for Students
Reflect on personal values and align them with Walden’s mission.
Engage in community service projects.
Incorporate social change into professional practice.
Use research to advocate for evidence‑based policy changes.
10. Future Directions
Continued emphasis on global citizenship.
Integration of digital tools to expand reach.
Strengthening alumni networks to sustain long‑term impact.
Expanding interdisciplinary approaches to address complex social issues.
Conclusion
Walden University’s mission for social change is a defining feature of its identity. By embedding social change into education, research, and community engagement, Walden empowers students and alumni to become leaders who drive equity, justice, and innovation. This mission ensures that graduates are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for a better world.
Quiz: Walden’s Mission for Social Change (15 Questions)
Instructions
Select the best answer for each question. Each item is multiple choice.
1. When was Walden University founded? A. 1960 B. 1970 C. 1980 D. 1990 Answer: B
2. What is the central mission of Walden University? A. Financial growth B. Positive social change C. Political advocacy only D. Technological innovation only Answer: B
3. Which center serves as the hub for social change initiatives? A. Center for Leadership B. Center for Social Change C. Center for Innovation D. Center for Policy Studies Answer: B
4. Which strategic objective focuses on equipping students as leaders? A. Build community B. Empower change makers C. Elevate outcomes D. Increase enrollment Answer: B
5. Which strategic objective emphasizes collaboration? A. Empower change makers B. Build community C. Elevate outcomes D. Increase funding Answer: B
6. Which strategic objective highlights measuring impact? A. Empower change makers B. Build community C. Elevate outcomes D. Expand curriculum Answer: C
7. Which new disorder was added in DSM‑5‑TR? A. Panic Disorder B. Prolonged Grief Disorder C. Bipolar II Disorder D. Social Anxiety Disorder Answer: B
8. What does Walden define social change as? A. A political campaign B. A deliberate process of creating and applying ideas to promote dignity and development C. A financial strategy D. A marketing plan Answer: B
9. Which value emphasizes ethical practice? A. Integrity B. Respect C. Innovation D. Collaboration Answer: A
10. Which value emphasizes diversity and cultural differences? A. Integrity B. Respect C. Innovation D. Collaboration Answer: B
11. Which value emphasizes creativity in problem‑solving? A. Integrity B. Respect C. Innovation D. Collaboration Answer: C
12. Which value emphasizes partnerships across disciplines? A. Integrity B. Respect C. Innovation D. Collaboration Answer: D
13. Which area of advocacy includes combating domestic violence and bias in law enforcement? A. Healthcare B. Education C. Social advocacy D. Environmental sustainability Answer: C
14. Which initiative involves addressing climate change? A. Healthcare B. Education C. Environmental sustainability D. Social advocacy Answer: C
15. What is a practical way for students to apply Walden’s mission? A. Avoid community service B. Engage in service projects and integrate social change into professional practice C. Focus only on personal advancement D. Ignore research and policy Answer: B
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