Mission Convocation
Each August, prior to the start of the fall semester, Marquette University’s Office of Mission and Ministry sponsors a university-wide orientation for all new employees, known as the “Mission Convocation.”
All University employees (faculty and staff) hired during the prior 12-month period are invited. The day includes a deeper introduction to the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus (the founders of Jesuit higher education); the mission of Marquette; and practical mission applications for each employee.
1. Understand Jesuit Foundations
Describe key moments in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and explain how his spiritual journey shaped the founding of the Society of Jesus.
2. Articulate Marquette’s Mission and Values
Summarize Marquette’s mission and its expression through the pillars of excellence, faith, leadership, and service. In particular, recognize how Ignatian principles such as “cura personalis,” discernment, and “finding God in all things” guide the University’s identity and culture.
3. Apply Mission to Their Role
Explain how their specific role contributes to the University’s mission and supports student learning, formation, and community well-being. Identify practical ways to integrate Ignatian values into daily decisions, interactions, and professional responsibilities.
4. Engage as Members of a Mission-Driven Community
Connect with colleagues across the University and recognize themselves as part of a broader Ignatian community. Demonstrate commitment to fostering an inclusive, mission-aligned campus environment through their work and relationships.
5. Reflect on Personal Meaning and Purpose
Reflect on how their own values, gifts, and experiences align with Marquette’s mission and how they can grow through Ignatian spiritual and professional development opportunities.
– Mission and Ministry partners with New Faculty Orientation to incorporate this as one day of orientation for new faculty. This collaboration has increased faculty participation.
– New employees’ favorite part of the day is the interaction with students and learning about their experiences.
– Tying Mission Convocation to Marquette’s annual Ignatian theme, and using this event to “kick off” the theme, helps build community.
Faculty assess Mission Convocation as part of their faculty orientation assessment. That data has been valuable.
Mission and Ministry gives away t-shirts with the Ignatian theme of the year and takes a group picture with the president. In addition, the event is held in a place where students typically frequent during the academic year to showcase resources such as tutoring and the career center. The space has a lot of light and a great energy, which makes the day more fun and engaging.