Mission and Goals of Graduate School Advisory Council

Mission: The mission of GSAC is to assist the leadership of the Graduate School through: securing resources for faculty and students, providing a bridge between the academic environment and the business professional world, providing mentoring to graduate students, or enhancing the capacity of the Graduate School staff.

Goals:

1. Determine the needs for assistance of the Graduate School.
2. Augment Graduate School funding provided by the State of Colorado and the University of Colorado.
3. Help determine the job-related skills and qualifications future employers expect of graduates of graduate courses and assist graduate students in attaining these capabilities.
4. Assist graduates in obtaining employment commensurate with their capabilities and education
5. Assist in recruiting the best qualified graduate students of all races and ethnic groups to the University of Colorado.
6. Communicate Graduate School requirements to federal and state organizations affecting graduate training and research capabilities.
7. Develop ties with Graduate School graduates in foreign countries to establish partnerships, develop research contacts and recruit graduate students.

To attain these goals, specific objectives to achieve each goal are listed below. Each objective will be assigned to a specific committee. Each committee should list specific expected outcomes to be achieved during each academic year to accomplish these objectives and further should list which members of GSAC will be committed to achieving these outcomes. A review of progress toward achieving these outcomes will be conducted annually by the executive committee.

Goal 1. Determine the needs for assistance of the Graduate School.

Objective1. Develop framework for checking needs of Graduate School every six months (Dean’s Liaison Committee, chair, vice-chair, Development Officer)

Objective 2. Develop a system of identifying and recruiting GSAC members who possess specific talents needed on a regular basis. (Action, Nominating Committee, in consultation with the Dean and the assistance of the Development Officer)

Goal 2. Augment Graduate School funding provided by the State of Colorado and the University of Colorado.

Objective 1. Through the Development Office, become informed about Graduate School needs for additional funding and assist in developing goals on an annual basis. (Action: Resource Development Committee)

Objective 2. In cooperation with the Development Office, develop a potential donor list for the Beverly Sears Dean’s Small Grants fund drive. (Action: Resource Development (Small Grants sub-committee) Committee)

Objective 3. In cooperation with the Development Office, conduct the annual Small Grants fund drive and determine allocation of funds. (Action: Resource Development (Small Grants sub-committee) Committee)

Objective 4. In cooperation with the Development Office, assist in conduct of larger gift/endowment drive. (Action: Resource Development Committee)

Goal 3. Help determine job-related skills and qualifications future employers expect of graduates of graduate courses and assist graduate students in attaining these capabilities.

Objective 1. Survey and assess specific job-related needs identified by potential employers of graduates. (Action: Professional Development Committee)

Objective 2. Establish contacts with graduate directors in departments and colleges to solicit their input. (Action: Professional Development Committee)

Objective 3. Help determine specific non-academic requirements of potential future employers by degree program. (Action: Professional Development Committee)

Objective 4. Assist Graduate School in developing programs to provide training to graduate students in job-related skills. (Action: Professional Development Committee)

Goal 4. Assist graduates in obtaining employment commensurate with their capabilities and education.

Objective 1. Maintain Internet home page for graduate students to post their vitae or resumes. (Action: Student Outreach Committee)

Objective 2. Market vitae availability to potential future employers. (Action: Student Outreach Committee)

Objective 3. Help determine needs of graduate students for job search assistance. (Action: Student Outreach Committee)

Objective 4. Help formalize assistance program for academic placement for graduate students through placement office, departments and/or colleges. (Action: Student Outreach Committee)

Goal 5. Assist in recruiting the best qualified graduate students of all races and genders to the University of Colorado.

Objective 1. Determine underrepresented populations within the Graduate School relative to other graduate schools in universities comparable to the University of Colorado. (Action: Diversity Committee)

Objective 2. Assist Graduate Dean in determining appropriate emphasis on targeted groups of recruits. (Action: Diversity Committee)

Objective 3. Assist the Graduate Dean in marketing the graduate programs to diverse groups. (Action: Diversity Committee)

Goal 6. Communicate Graduate School requirements to federal and state organizations affecting graduate training and research capabilities.

Objective 1. In cooperation with the Graduate Dean, determine appropriate state and federal agencies and individual which influence the operation and performance of graduate programs and research institutes. (Action: Government Relations Committee)

Objective 2. Secure the assistance of individual necessary to communicate graduate program needs to appropriate state officials. (Action: Government Relations Committee)

Objective 3. Secure the assistance of appropriate individuals and agencies to communicate research program needs to appropriate federal agencies and individuals. (Action: Government Relations Committee)

Goal 7. Develop ties with Graduate School graduates in foreign countries to establish partnerships, develop research contacts and recruit graduate students.

Objective 1. Working with Alumni Association identify foreign graduates of specific graduate program who might be of assistance in furthering the goals of the Graduate School. (Action: International Relations Committee)

Objective 2. On foreign trips by GSAC members, contact former graduate students to assist in developing ties with the Graduate School with the purpose of establishing partnerships, developing research contacts, and recruiting future graduate students. (Action: International Relations Committee)