About the Center

Vision

The Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose strives to inspire every Penn State student to live a life defined by a strong character, a thoughtful conscience, and an understanding of their responsibility for the public good. The Center offers programs and services that challenge students to reflect on questions of personal conscience and character and equip students with the understanding, motivation, and skills of responsible citizenship.

Mission

The Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose promotes the development of ethical leadership and civic learning among Penn State’s students through reflection, dialogue, and action.  Grounded in Penn State’s land-grant mission of preparing engaged citizens and enhancing the University’s General Education learning objective of Social Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning, the Center prepares students for lives of thoughtful and committed ethical leadership in advancement of the public good and a sustainable and successful democracy.