Our Lutheran Identity
Just as our first name, California, describes where we are geographically, our middle name, Lutheran, connects us to a 500-year-old educational tradition. We proudly share this tradition with 27 other U.S. Lutheran colleges and universities who, like us, are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
What does this mean at Cal Lutheran?
Crafted during CLU’s 50th anniversary, the compass statement is an articulation for today of the Lutheran commitments that inspired the University’s founders and which continue to undergird its mission and purpose as a University of the Church.
Created to honor God and benefit the world,
California Lutheran University reflects its Lutheran identity
by its trust in God's grace,
a commitment to academic excellence and freedom,
and an ethic of service to neighbor.
CLU responds to God's goodness shown in Creation
by caring for the earth
and by engaging the whole world in its diversity.
CLU lives out God's love shown in Christ
by commitment to justice and peace
and belief in the dignity of every individual.
CLU trusts in God's enlightening Spirit
by advancing human knowledge
and seeking insight and wisdom through inquiry and study.


