Challenge 1

FY13 implementation steps are presented for each goal supporting Challenge 1 within the strategic plan.

Goal 1:  Embed the core values of liberal arts education in all parts of the university – undergraduate, graduate and professional.

• Begin implementation of recommendations from the review of the undergraduate curricula in A&S, Business and Education. *
• Complete review of the faculty merit and reward system and begin implementation of the recommendations. *
• Expand and enhance summer opportunities for study and research, both on campus, in DC and abroad. In FY13 improve summer school and archaeology field schools and develop a plan for a summer undergraduate and graduate research institute. Seek private funds to increase summer scholarships for research and study abroad and for faculty/student research. *
• Create a new Center for Collaborative Teaching and Research. In FY13 develop a white paper describing a vision for the Center and programs it might incubate, identify development opportunities, create a course bank to promote inter-school teaching collaborations as an initial activity, provide seed funding for small projects. *
• Ensure that our mentoring programs are effective and aligned with our core values, from freshman advising, to career advising, and faculty and staff development. In FY13 carry out an audit of our mentoring programs, and compare with the best practices of other institutions, and offer recommendations for improvement. 
• Expand and enhance the Reves Center’s programs and improve their integration with other parts of the University based on findings in the Vice Provost’s FY12 review.  *

* Continues into FY13-14

Goal 2: Provide more robust support for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activities.

• Ensure faculty and staff compensation is competitive. In FY13, seek to implement the raises of 5% for faculty and 4% for staff envisioned in the six-year plan.  
• Expand graduate support as a base investment to maintain our competitiveness as a university. Ensure graduate and professional stipends are competitive with peer programs. In FY13, provide a total increase of $350,000 to be allocated for School of Education stipends and other A&S graduate stipends. 
• Provide competitive startup packages to attract the best faculty and allow faculty to become even more productive in their first critical years at the College. In FY13, provide a Research Opportunity Fund of $300,000 as an initial step as part of a base investment to free funds for research support. This does not provide funds directly for start-ups, but will provide funds for research initiatives in general.
• Increase support and provide incentives for innovative and collaborative teaching and research. In FY 13, create a new Center for Energy and Environment and Society.