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, and space-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 by 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;
- Development of integrated environmental science and studies curricula
to provide easy access to environmental options that cross the University's
colleges;
- Continued expansion of collaborative program and research opportunities
with Delaware Health Sciences Alliances (DHSA) partners;
- Launching of the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) and planning
for a new interdisciplinary science and engineering laboratory to house
DENIN and the UD Energy Institute as well as teaching and research facilities
on campus;
- Continuation of campus-wide sustainability efforts aimed at achievement
of goals set forth in UD's climate action plan;
- Fostering new university-wide interdisciplinary graduate research
opportunities and developing master's level professional education programs
through the Office of Graduate and Professional Education;
- Advancing the impact and visibility of University researchers through
the UD Research Office by developing the intellectual and environmental
resources and facilities that will attract, retain and nurture outstanding
scholars and advance the application of UD research and scholarship
through collaboration with the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships;
- Expansion of the University's commitment to global studies through
the establishment of the Institute of Global Studies (IGS) and continued
strategic partnerships that enhance international research and education
opportunities for faculty and students;
- Ongoing support of UDconnection, an alumni virtual community developed
to enhance alumni connections across the US and abroad, increase private
support to the University; and
- Establishment of the Office of Equity & Inclusion, one of the
recommendations inplemented by the diversity action council to enhance
the University's ethnic and geographic diversity.
