Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan upholds the principles of academic freedom through its institutional mission, which emphasizes the authentic search for truth via teaching, research, formation, and social outreach.

The University is dedicated to the discovery, safeguarding, and communication of knowledge and human values, and it trains men and women to think rigorously, act rightly, and serve humanity justly. This mission provides the framework for faculty and students to independently choose their areas of research, engage critically with ideas, and share findings publicly, ensuring scholarly autonomy and the free exchange of knowledge in alignment with global academic standards.