Table of Contents
Print Page

MISSION AND VISION

Mission Statement

The University of Delaware exists to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the free exchange of ideas. State-assisted yet privately governed, the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, research, teaching, and service that is grounded in a commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic, and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society. Founded in 1743 and chartered by the state in 1833, the University of Delaware today is a land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant, and urban-grant university.

The University of Delaware is a major research university with extensive graduate programs that is also dedicated to outstanding undergraduate and professional education. University faculty are committed to the intellectual, cultural, and ethical development of students as citizens, scholars, and professionals. University graduates are prepared to contribute to a global society that requires leaders with creativity, integrity, and a dedication to service.

The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn, and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry, and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population.

An institution engaged in addressing the critical needs of the state, nation, and global community, the University of Delaware carries out its mission with the support of alumni who span the globe and in partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit institutions in Delaware and beyond.

Strategic Milestones

The following strategic goals build upon key strengths and critical capabilities of the University of Delaware and define the aspirations and initiatives that will advance the University on a Path to Prominence™. The implementation of action steps developed for each of these milestones will assist in fulfilling the mission and vision of the University.

  • Create a diverse and stimulating undergraduate academic environment that attracts and supports students from Delaware and diverse backgrounds and enhances intellectual exploration.
  • Develop faculty leadership in key intellectual areas to strengthen and expand high-profile research initiatives and increase the profile and growth of graduate studies.
  • Support excellence in professional education, including the establishment of new programs in areas of health, educational leadership, and applied science and engineering.
  • Strengthen the University's initiative for the planet that will lead to path-breaking environmental research, the development of alternative energy technologies and demonstrate ecologically-friendly green practices.
  • Foster knowledge and awareness of the economic, environmental, political, cultural and social issues that face the world through the establishment of an institute for global studies and developing strategic and active global partnerships.
  • Promote public service and the engagement of the University with issues of importance to Delaware, the nation, and the world community

Initiatives and Accomplishments

Many academic and administrative initiatives are currently being implemented in order to meet the University's strategic milestones, including:

  • An expanded Commitment to Delawareans program that defines the academic roadmap for admission and success at UD, provides early notification of admission, and commits to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of every Delaware student admitted to the Newark campus up to the cost of tuition, fees, on campus room and board and books;
  • Establishment of a diversity task force to enhance the University's ethnic and geographic diversity;
  • Creation of new faculty chairs in energy, the environment and health sciences;
  • Agreement on an "expanded partnership in Health Education" with Thomas Jefferson University that supports collaborative programs in pharmacy, occupational health, public health, and other areas;
  • Development of new undergraduate programs in environmental sciences and environmental studies, and the planning of a University-wide Institute for Environmental Research;
  • Initiation of a carbon impact analysis of the Newark campus;
  • Launching of the University of Delaware Energy Institute;
  • Strengthening the Office of Graduate and Professional Education and development of new university-wide interdisciplinary and professional programs;
  • Establishment of the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships;
  • Launching a new alumni virtual community to enhance alumni connections and increase private support to the University; and
  • Implementation of a responsibility-based budgeting management practice to appropriately allocate resources to support programs of excellence at the College and unit level.

 

Table of Contents