CHAPTER 8

Conclusion

Hallmarks of Excellence

As a community of learners, the University of Colorado at Boulder takes pride in its many accomplishments, but recognizes that the challenges ahead call for thoughtful, focused decision making. That means knowing what the campus does best, identifying the barriers to continued progress, and taking the necessary actions to ensure success. The Boulder campus is engaged in all those endeavors.

The University of Colorado at Boulder rightly claims a broad array of outstanding achievements, many highlighted in this Self-Study and others described in the various appendices and web links. But the Boulder campus possesses a number of truly distinctive qualities that set it apart from other institutions and lay the foundation for continued excellence.

Successful record in research and scholarship. The Boulder campus has established a leadership role in the quality and quantity of research and scholarship accomplished by its community of scholars. Aided by an enterprising faculty, the campus has attained remarkable achievements in sponsored research.

Interdisciplinary approach to learning. Over a period of decades, CU-Boulder has engaged in interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, research, and service. A system of institutes and centers has promoted the cross-fertilization of ideas from a wide range of academic fields.

Innovations in learning. The Boulder campus actively pursues new ways of learning, such as integrating research and instruction as a seamless endeavor. Where appropriate, the campus has shifted the locus of learning from classrooms to laboratories, residence halls, industry, and the community.

Use and study of technology. At CU-Boulder, technology is seen both as a tool and a subject for learning. With the new ATLAS initiative, the campus is taking a leadership role among research universities in the arena of technology. Enhancements in infrastructure have made CU-Boulder one of the "most wired" universities in the country.

Shared governance. By working together, the various levels of campus governance help guide CU-Boulder in positive directions. Decision making is characterized by openness, trust, and active involvement.

Commitment to outreach. The faculty, staff, and students on the Boulder campus are engaged in a comprehensive set of programs aimed at sharing the institution’s resources with the community, the state, and the nation. Significant investments are made in outreach programming at the same time that academic programs are embracing the concept of service learning.