About Orlando University (OU)
Founded in 2005, OU dvances the world through
voluntarian higher education — a pioneering
model of the fourth generation university that
removes financial barriers and promotes holistic
learning for all. Its mission is to enhance
human wellbeing, wealth, wisdom, and worth (4W)
by integrating practical science, real-world
wisdom, and lifelong learning.
OU serves as an integrated platform for leaders
from all walks of life — scholarly-minded
practitioners, executives, entrepreneurs, and
practice-oriented academics. It offers
opportunities to deepen understanding, conduct
meaningful research, earn academic credentials,
and transform knowledge into personal,
professional, and societal impact.
As the world’s first voluntarian university
(501c3) — continuing the legacies of Bologna
(1088) and Oxford (1096) — OU, rooted in
voluntarian values and practical inquiry,
bridges academia and real life through a global
community of faculty, students, and affiliates
who collaborate to address human challenges with
innovation, compassion, and cooperation. OU
continues to inspire a new generation of
thinkers and doers dedicated to making a
difference — one and for all.
Located in Orlando, Florida, OU is licensed by
the Florida Commission for Independent Education
(License No. 3835) and authorized to grant
professional doctorate degrees since 2009.
© 2025 Orlando University · The World’s First Voluntarian University / 世界首创志愿型大学
Truth
The Path to Truth, the Light of Reason
"Truth" is the starting point of education at the University of Orlando. We emphasize "practical science," meaning that knowledge is not acquired through rote memorization, but rather grows from problems and is verified through practice. Students conduct real studies, discovering truth and correcting themselves through case analysis and action research. Truth brings education back to reason, and knowledge back to the heart.
Goodness
The Heart of Volunteerism, the Soul of Education
"Goodness" is the soul of the University of Orlando, defined by "Volunteer Education." Its core is not free, but freedom — a participation driven by goodwill, a mutually beneficial learning experience. Teachers are those willing to share, and students are active contributors. The goodness of education lies in making knowledge a gift, making learning a responsibility. The highest level of education is not about making people win, but about making people good.
Beauty
Lifelong Learning, a Realm of Life
"Beauty" represents the fulfillment of education through **"lifelong learning."** Learning is a way of life, an inner order, allowing reason and emotion to converse, and harmonizing action and thought. When you discover that knowledge allows you to understand the world, action allows you to change the world, thought allows you to reflect on the world— at that moment, you are experiencing the "beauty" of education. Beauty is freedom. Beauty is wholeness.
The Unity of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty – The Highest Form of Education
Truth is the light of knowledge; Goodness is the warmth of action; Beauty is the harmony of existence. These three intertwine, forming the educational philosophy of the University of Orlando. Seeking wisdom through truth, establishing virtue through goodness, and cultivating character through beauty. Here, teachers, students, and society are no longer separate individuals, but rather a shared journey of life.
Research & Resources
Orlando University provides hundreds of evidence-based resources to help address educational priorities and support student learning.
Humanities and Philosophy Studies
Counseling, tutoring, and academic support for all students.
ExploreNews & Events
News and Events selected here are mainly those related to the four prime focuses of Orlando University and relevant institutions, organizations, or individuals locally and globally. These four categories highlight ongoing and future initiatives, each accompanied by external web links for further engagement.
Health Medicine and Integrative Practices
- Advancing integrative healthcare through World Health Organization.
- Clinical practice updates from Mayo Clinic.
- Cancer research news at NIH – National Cancer Institute.
- Innovative care models at Cleveland Clinic.
- Public health policy updates from the CDC.
Practical Sciences and Practical Wisdom
- One recent highlight is technology breakthroughs at MIT News.
- One recent highlight is applied sciences coverage from Nature.
- One recent highlight is engineering solutions at Stanford Engineering.
- One recent highlight is global research projects via AAAS.
- One recent highlight is AI developments at OpenAI Blog.
Human Voluntarians and Professionals Volunteering
- One recent highlight is volunteer initiatives at UN Volunteers.
- One recent highlight is civic engagement stories at VolunteerMatch.
- One recent highlight is Red Cross community action via American Red Cross.
- One recent highlight is youth programs at Points of Light.
- One recent highlight is humanitarian impact by Doctors Without Borders.
Healthy Communities and Biopsychosocial Wellbeing
- One recent highlight is sustainable cities news at United Nations Habitat.
- One recent highlight is social equity research at Brookings Institution.
- One recent highlight is community well-being projects by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
- One recent highlight is local development from Orlando Health.
- One recent highlight is environmental health news at EPA.
