The purpose of the university is to further the higher education of men and women through programs of liberal, professional, and PRE-professional studies leading to the conferral of the baccaluareate and master degrees in the arts and sciences. Said degrees shall be conferred in accordance with the provisions of the articles of incorporation of the university and the LAWS of the state of OHIO. It shall be the further purpose of the university, publicly identified as a catholic and a franciscan institution, to promote the moral, spiritual, and religious values of its students. The university will be guided by the example and teaching of ST. Francis of assisi.