The CHAMPS Way

CHAMPS: A Culture of Character and Purpose

At Northwestern University, education goes beyond academic achievement. It is about forming character, nurturing responsibility, and preparing individuals to make principled decisions even when doing so is difficult. In a world of constant change and growing social challenges, we believe that meaningful change begins with people who have the integrity, compassion, and courage to make a difference.

This commitment is embodied in CHAMPS, the University’s Corporate Culture Manual and a shared guide to the values that shape the Northwesternian community. These six core values guide how we learn, work, lead, and serve others.

What CHAMPS Stands For

C – Commitment to Excellence

Striving to give our best in every task and continually improving ourselves.

H – Honesty and Integrity

Choosing truthfulness, transparency, and moral courage in all actions.

A – Active Involvement

Participating meaningfully in the University and the community, using our talents to contribute to positive change.

M – Management of Resources

Using time, opportunities, and resources wisely and responsibly.

P – Professionalism

Demonstrating discipline, respect, competence, and accountability in all we do.

S – Selfless Service

Serving others with compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to uplift lives.

Living the CHAMPS Values

CHAMPS is more than an acronym to remember. It represents the character and mindset that Northwestern University seeks to cultivate in its students, faculty, and staff. It calls us to live with purpose and responsibility, recognizing that our actions shape the world around us.

To live as CHAMPS means pursuing excellence not merely for recognition, choosing honesty even when shortcuts are tempting, and caring enough to participate in creating positive change. It means managing resources responsibly, demonstrating professionalism in every setting, and serving others with compassion and humility.

Through CHAMPS, Northwestern University strives to form globally competitive, ethically grounded, and socially responsible individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society as responsible professionals and leaders.

When these values are practiced each day, they become a guiding light in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Those who live by CHAMPS help illuminate paths of integrity, compassion, and excellence.