The mission statement of Harvard University, as stated by Harry R. Lewis, Dean of Harvard College, in 1997, is as follows: "Harvard strives to create knowledge, to open the minds of students to that knowledge and to enable students to take best advantage of their educational opportunities" (qtd. in Harvard University, 2005, "What is Harvard University's Mission Statement?"). In order to achieve this primary mission, Harvard University seeks to create a learning environment that promotes free thinking, exchange of ideas, innovation and critical reflection among students. Moreover, administrators and educators at the institution strive to eliminate obstacles and barriers that will prevent the students from realizing their full potential. Ultimately, through their exposure to the learning experience in Harvard, it is hoped that the students will acquire "self-reliance and habits of lifelong learning" (Lewis, 1997, qtd. in Harvard University, 2005, "What is Harvard University's Mission Statement?").
Juxtaposing Harvard University's annual report (2003-2004) and strategic plan with its mission statement reveals a high level of compatibility. Essentially, the institution's acquisition and allocation of resources are in conformity to the mission statement and the strategic plan of realizing its mission, while maintaining financial stability. In spite of the increases in costs of operation and decreases in stable sources of government funding, Harvard University has continued to adhere to its effort to provide students with a dynamic learning environment that will enable them to realize their full potential.
More specifically, to offset the losses of funding and increased costs, the institution has engaged in measures to restructure their administrative operations and enhance operational effectiveness. Through the implementation of these cost-cutting measures, the university has even been able to accomplish their mission and ...