UCD's Mission Statement

The mission statement of the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) reflects the main purposes of the institution: The mission statement for the campus is as follows:

UCD offers programs and role models for the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate education and training of professional health practitioners. The programs reflect a balanced integration of the basic and clinical sciences, individual and community health problems, curative and preventive health practices, and individual and team efforts. The UCD develops and maintains educational and training opportunities for continuing education of practicing health professionals in the state through educational programs.

UCD directly provides health care to patients at University of Colorado Hospital Authority, Colorado Psychiatric Hospital, the Children’s Diagnostic Center and the Dental Clinic, as well as at several campus affiliates. University of Colorado Hospital Authority has a responsibility to provide health care to many Colorado residents who are financially unable to secure such hospital care elsewhere. The health care services are comprehensive, ranging from first contact (primary) care to highly specialized (tertiary and quaternary) care. The health care services also serve as a foundation for teaching and research activities.

UCD advances health knowledge through basic and applied research, functioning as the major health-related research base in the state. UCD maintains high standards regarding human subjects throughout its research activities and ensures that any protocols used are intended to benefit both the individual and mankind.

UCD is an integral part of the University of Colorado’s multi-campus educational system. The center is also a major technical and professional resource for other institutions in the Rocky Mountain region dealing with health issues. The UCD communicates with many constituencies, including the administration, faculty, and staff at other campuses and schools, alumni, professional and civic groups, foundations, and governmental representatives and agencies, and the public.

UCD supports its educational, health care, research and external affairs programs through support services aimed at achieving coordinated development, efficient and effective resource management, timely and appropriate informational exchanges, and programmatic accountability. The center also supports its programs by maintaining a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for its patients and personnel, while upholding all aspects of diversity as a necessary condition to achieving the institution’s stated objectives and mission.

Interrelationship among UCD’s Missions


Legislative Mission

 The legislative mission for the UCD is mandated by the Constitution of Colorado. The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 23-20-101) states that the UCD campus’ role is to "be a specialized professional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs in health-related disciplines". This mission statement was created during the early history of the institution and, although reviewed by the state legislature and the Board of Regents, has not changed since that time.

 Last updated 05-15-2002