“Vivere est cogitare” and “Gradibus ascendimus” are the phrases which appear on the front page of the University Graduate Catalog. They represent the general purpose for which this new non-traditional university was created. The former stands for “to think is to live.” The latter means “to ascend by degrees.” Students (and Faculty) who join this Institution enter with the knowledge that learning is lifelong and by persistently advancing themselves, they are better prepared for their own success and in serving the people to whom they will extend counsel and support.
Orlando University intends to distinguish itself with its unique roadmap of higher learning, under the guidance, inspiration and imagination of some of the greatest thoughts, spirits and undertakings in the history of mankind.
The mottos of ten towering individuals, presented in images on the front of the University Website above, are deeply rooted in the foundation of this new Institution. Their wisdom has encouraged, fostered, and provided advice to many of us for generations. They will endure as long as man exists, in our continuous efforts to advance learning for the benefit of the global community and humanity as a whole.
The fundamental purpose of the OU’s higher learning is to contribute to global society in advancing human wellness, human wealth, human wisdom and human worth (4Ws) at an international level of distinction.
The fundamental framework of the OU’s Higher Learning Roadmap is “LEARN HOW.” That is to learn how to learn, to learn how to think, to learn how to act, and to learn how to lead. The center of learning on the Roadmap is the learner. Students are professionals or leaders, not merely “apprentices.” Faculty members are mentors or advisers, not just “instructors.” And the University furnishes the environment, not solely “classrooms,” in which all learners can learn and know better what to learn, how and why.
The higher learning at Orlando University is focused on practice-oriented learning, scholarship and leadership. And OU’s leadership learning, philosophically speaking, is a process of “learning by doing with thinking.” It is very different from that of traditional universities.