GOAL 2:
Advance Exploration and Discovery
We will inspire a culture of curiosity and innovation that encourages and supports our community to engage in teaching, learning, research, and creative pursuits. Together, we will broaden horizons, challenge assumptions, advance knowledge, and solve problems.
OBJECTIVES and STRATEGIES
2.1 Propagate excellence and explore new directions in teaching and learning.
2.1.1 Collaborate and innovate within the college and across campus to improve introductory and core courses that are foundational to the academic journeys of our undergraduate students.
2.1.2 Bolster continuous improvement in curricula and instructional practices by renovating feedback, evaluation, and accountability processes, and by identifying opportunities for growth.
2.1.3 Assist and support faculty, in collaboration with relevant campus partners, to explore and implement innovative teaching methods that address students’ needs and enhance their involvement, learning outcomes, and post-graduation success.
2.1.4 Develop and update curricula, courses, programs, and experiences that attend to current trends and emerging areas of knowledge so that students are well prepared to tackle the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world.
2.2 Innovate within and across disciplines to advance fundamental and translational research.
2.2.1 Build capacity, institutional support, and reward-mechanisms for transformative research through high-impact incentives and pathways.
2.2.2 Support and publicize the conversion of foundational discoveries into practical applications that benefit society.
2.2.3 Augment research infrastructure, including facilities, technologies, resources, and interdisciplinary hubs that promote collaboration and shared resources across L&S departments, other UCD colleges, and the professional schools.
2.2.4 Make bridges between academic disciplines, partners, industries, the state, and broader communities to drive meaningful collaborations.
2.3 Promote student success and guide student exploration and discovery of disciplines, academic paths, and career opportunities.
2.3.1 Fortify and upgrade advising services through professional development, support, and communications, equipping a diverse advising team with advanced skills and knowledge to offer the highest level of support to students.
2.3.2 Promote faculty facilitation and mentorship of student exploration and learning, helping students to identify connections among disciplines and to see how these intersections can lead to emerging career opportunities.
2.3.3 Strengthen and broaden partnerships and initiatives with campus collaborators to ensure that students are informed about, connected with, and actively using available resources and opportunities.