Selected Mission-related Interview Questions
and Their Rationale

For all Candidates:
Executive, Administrative, Faculty and Staff

As a Catholic and Jesuit institution we share the intellectual and scholarly objectives common to public institutions of higher education; however, our mandate is also to exhibit and promote the values of the Society of Jesus. This means that an intellectual inquiry into those values is not sufficient; we are committed to live them out in all the relationships that flourish within our institution.

 As summarized in the mission statement, these values include:

• Excellence
• Faith
• Leadership
• Service

The purpose of the following questions is to help discern a potential candidate's orientation regarding characteristics and key values defined in the Mission Statement. They are not intended to be questions with "right answers" but rather ones that permit the candidate to convey personal perspectives. While the benefits of diversity are not to be overlooked, the expectation in this (religiously-oriented) University is that the candidate's overall orientation will encompass values consistent with (and at least not hostile to) those promoted by the University's Mission Statement. Candid, forthright answers are expected and are in the interest of both the candidate and the University. These questions are suggestions only; you may wish to revise them to reflect your department's unique perspective, interpretation, and emphasis.

1. What aspects of the statement appeal most to you?
   
   Rationale - Lets the candidate zero in on some particular points, identifying the extent to which his or her values are consistent with that of the University
   
   
   
2. How do you think the mission of Marquette fits with your work?
   
   Rationale - Allows the candidate to discuss his or her perspectives and behaviors (e.g., teaching style) and the search committee/interviewer to assess how consistent these perspectives and behaviors are with the mission.
   
   
   
3. Do any aspects of the mission cause you some concern - anything you might have difficulty with, anything you have questions about?
   
   Rationale - Allows the candidate to ask questions he or she may have about working in this environment
   
   
   
4. At Marquette, we take the mission seriously. Rather than being just a "statement" on paper, we strive to "live" it proactively. How do you see yourself as embodying the mission?
   
   Rationale - Lets the candidate know that Marquette expects more than classroom teaching and opens the door to a discussion of how the person intends to use his or her qualities as a person, scholar, worker to promote a way of life consistent with the values expressed in the Mission Statement.
   
   
   
5. (For Faculty Candidates) Marquette University affirms both religious and academic freedom, and supports a religious tradition that is Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic.
   
   
   1. While teaching performance and qualifications are central to our educational mission, we are also part of a religious tradition here at Marquette. What are your thoughts about the relationship between faith and reason in the academic environment?
      
      Rationale - Helps the candidate to see that as a Catholic and Jesuit university, Marquette's Mission Statement assumes a distinctive and positive relationship between religious faith and human reason; also helps to get the question of religious and academic freedom out in the open for discussion and gives the candidate notice of the commitments which the University espouses in its Mission Statement
      
      
   2. How do you see this playing itself out in a university setting, and how would these dual affirmations affect your work here?
      
      Rationale - allows the search committee/interviewer to determine the extent to which the candidate possesses the desire to work in this environment, beyond the job itself, pay, etc. (See Note)
      
      
      
6. What does service mean to you in view of the Mission Statement?
   
   Rationale - Allows the candidate to express opinions on a critical element of our institutional mission
   
   
   
7. Written Question (to be submitted by faculty candidates invited to campus for interview):
   
   
   On a separate sheet of paper, please answer the following: "What do you understand is the mission of a liberal arts, church-related institution like Marquette University, and how does your discipline and background enhance it? Include a statement on your philosophy of teaching and the nature and extent of your commitment to teaching."
   
   
   
8. Marquette University affirms both religious freedom and a religious tradition that is Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic. It also affirms the four mission values of excellence, faith, leadership service. How do you see your role and work here affected by these beliefs? How might the atmosphere at Marquette University differ from that of a public institution which may not affirm religious freedom, a religious tradition, and values?
   
   
   Rationale - Gives candidates notice of the commitments which the University espouses in the Mission Statement; also lets the interviewer assess the candidate's understanding of truth, freedom, justice, and other values; also allows the executive/administrative/staff candidate to discuss the meaning and importance of working in this type of environment; allows the search committee/interviewer to determine the extent to which the candidate possesses the desire to work in this environment, beyond the job itself, pay, etc. (See Note)
   
   
9. What does service mean to you in view of the Mission Statement?
   
   Rationale - allows the candidate to express opinions on a critical element of our institutional mission

Notes

The following should be discussed with the candidate if Question #5 is used:

Recognize that Marquette University does not require or ask that you believe Catholic doctrine, nor does it preclude proposals for changes in doctrine when presented through recognized channels. Rather, we ask you to please state here whether, in your work at the University and in your public demeanor while you are employed by the University, you would show respect for Catholic doctrine and the University's Mission Statement. If your response is qualified, please fully explain.