Academic Culture & Values

Supporting an Academic Culture of Excellence and Success in the Curriculum

The Department of Geology fosters an academic environment of excellence and student success through a cohesive, research-driven and experiential curriculum. Our program begins with a diverse set of engaging gateway courses that draw students into the major by highlighting the societal relevance of geology—spanning natural resource exploration, environmental stewardship, planetary science, evolution and data-based problem solving. These courses spark curiosity while equipping students with foundational scientific and analytical skills.

A hallmark of our curriculum is the guaranteed and required independent research experience. Every student undertakes a faculty-mentored project aligned with their academic and career interests, culminating in our annual Senior Research Symposium in April, where students present their findings to peers, faculty and other members of the community. This capstone experience promotes ownership of learning, scientific communication and professional growth. To prepare students for this milestone, our junior-level research course builds a supportive cohort and introduces research methods, proposal writing and data analysis.

Across all levels, our labs and upper-level field-based courses provide immersive, hands-on experiences that develop both technical expertise and transferable skills essential for geoscience careers and graduate study.

Beyond the classroom, we sustain a vibrant intellectual community through bi-weekly brown-bag seminars, where students share internship experiences, summer research and fieldwork, fostering a culture of peer learning and reflection. Our annual off-campus COLL 300 course further enriches this experience by situating learning in geologically diverse settings such as Hawaii, California, Oman, the Bahamas and the U.S. Southwest.

Together, these teaching and mentoring practices cultivate curiosity, confidence and community. 

Supporting the Success of All Students

Our department is deeply committed to ensuring the success of all our students—majors, minors and those exploring the field—by fostering an inclusive, supportive and opportunity-rich community.

We begin each semester with a department-wide community meeting that connects students, faculty and staff, builds belonging, and highlights upcoming opportunities for engagement.

Our curriculum and co-curricular programs emphasize access and experiential learning. Field trips offered each semester are free and open to all students, allowing everyone to experience geology firsthand, regardless of financial means. We further offset the costs of extended field courses and provide financial assistance for students who cannot afford course fees, ensuring that every student can fully participate in the hands-on learning central to geoscience.

We actively invest in our students’ professional growth by funding them to present at professional conferences and supporting independent research and summer research opportunities. These experiences enable students to present their work, build networks and develop the confidence and skills essential for future success.

Our Geology Careers course, offered annually, helps students explore diverse career pathways in the public, private and nonprofit sectors—while developing practical tools such as résumé writing and professional communication.

Beyond the classroom, our thriving community includes three student-led geology clubs: one centered on social connection, another dedicated to service and tutoring, and a third focused on career exploration. Together, they create a welcoming environment that values mentorship, peer support and leadership development. Through these mechanisms, Geology cultivates not only academic excellence but also a sense of belonging, purpose and confidence.

By removing financial barriers, fostering community and expanding professional opportunities, we ensure that every geology student can thrive and graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to science and society. 

Supporting the Success of Faculty and Staff

The Department of Geology actively fosters the professional growth, collaboration and well-being of its faculty and staff through a culture of mentorship, transparency and shared success. We believe that supporting our people is essential to sustaining excellence in teaching, research and service.

Each year, the department funds faculty and staff attendance at professional conferences and covers membership fees for professional societies, ensuring that everyone remains connected to the broader geoscience community and engaged with emerging research and teaching practices.

New faculty members are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance on teaching, research development and departmental culture, while classroom observations and peer mentoring reports promote constructive feedback and pedagogical innovation.

Our bi-weekly department meetings and annual retreat create structured opportunities for communication, collaboration and reflection. The retreat combines organizational planning with social engagement, strengthening collegial relationships and aligning our collective goals. Classroom visitations and shared teaching discussions further reinforce a supportive environment for continual professional improvement.

We also celebrate achievement and encourage recognition beyond our walls—each year, we nominate at least one faculty or staff member for institutional or professional awards, highlighting the excellence within our community. Decision-making within the department is democratic and transparent, with open discussions guiding priorities such as resource allocation and merit evaluations.

We are intentional about prioritizing new faculty for research and teaching resources, recognizing the importance of early support in establishing long-term success.