Mission & PRIORITIES
Mission and Values
The Graduate School, Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs is an outward-facing organization and a central partner across all academic and research units on campus in facilitating and promoting excellence in graduate research and educational experiences; administering efficient, effective policies and procedures; and fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary communities of graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and staff.
The Graduate School fosters excellence across the University by providing programs, administrative structure and leadership to ensure quality and integrity in graduate education and postdoctoral affairs. Our programs offer financial assistance and support innovative academic opportunities. We view graduate education as a cornerstone, not merely a milestone, of the University’s teaching, research, and service mission, valuing:
- Collaboration and partnership with the entire campus community,
- A supportive culture grounded in accountability, transparency, mutual respect, advocacy, and trust,
- Clear, consistent policies and processes that strengthen institutional value and quality,
- Innovation and evidence-based best practices to ensure strategic growth and management of graduate student and post-doctoral populations.
Strategic Priorities
- Establish a Sustainable Framework for Setting Competitive Graduate Student and Post-Doc Compensation and Benefits
- Strengthen Support and Vitality of Student and Post-Doc Communities
- Improve Accessibility and Availability of Effective Advising and Mentoring Resources and Protocols
- Enable Scalable and Flexible Pathways Responsive to Contemporary Career Opportunities and Demands
- Leverage Expertise to Provide Professional Development Experiences that Contribute to the Overall Campus Programming Environment
- Foster Professional Communities and Networks via Alumni, Community, and Employer Engagement Programs to Support Students and Inform Priorities
- Strengthen and Optimize Effective Campus Partnerships through Collaboration and Organizational Change
- Enhance Data Analysis Methods and Transparency of Data-Informed Decisions, Self-Assessment, and Continuous Improvement
- Improve Collaborative Recruitment and Support for Strategic Enrollment Management
Cross-Cutting Priorities and Philosophy
- Improve Systems, Processes and Awareness to Ensure Effectiveness of and Compliance with Policies and Regulations. Update, Streamline, and Further Develop Graduate School Policies and Procedures in Coordination with University Administrative Offices to Maximize Access, Progress, and Success.
- Develop and Implement a User-Friendly, State of the Art Tracking System to Improve Educational Outcomes and Experience of Graduate Students and Post-Docs
- Assure Clarity, Transparency, and Accessibility Regarding Expectations, Obligations, and Costs of Graduate Education
- Practice and Support Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement
- Communicate the Value of Graduate Education to Local Communities and Constituents
- Collaborate and Consult Regularly with All Campus Partners to Assure Awareness, Responsiveness, and Transparency of Graduate School Operations and Resources
Reports
Presidential Task Force on Graduate Student Support - June 2023
This report is not a consensus report. It captures a variety of perspectives and suggestions
to aid in implementing change across the university. It is intended to elevate awareness
and provide insights into the challenges faced by graduate students and to provide
a menu of options for improved support for this important, growing student population.
This document, therefore, is intended to inform the priorities and actions of the
colleges, The Graduate School, University Student Apartments, Student Affairs, the
Vice President for Research, and the Office of the President.