Strategic Imperatives

ENVS is leading world-class research, teaching and action on environmental issues: We use rigorous interdisciplinary methods to examine, address, and resolve environmental challenges. 

  • Develop integrative approaches to conduct creative, relevant, high-impact research. 
  • Establish a well-scaffolded curriculum that employs pedagogical approaches that deepen student understanding and application of concepts, skills, and methods. 
  • Engage with external stakeholders to translate research into solutions that confront real world environmental problems. 

ENVS supports justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity: We foster inclusive culture, climate, research, teaching, and curriculum that is representative of diverse peoples, values, and ideas. We orient our research, teaching, and practice towards a more equitable environment.

  • Recruit, retain and support students, staff and faculty that represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and ideas.
  • Build an inclusive culture and climate within the Department.
  • Develop and support inclusive and equitable curricula, teaching, and assessments of student learning.
  • Build infrastructure, capacity, and practices to support reciprocity between JEDI efforts and other strategic imperatives of the Department. 

ENVS works across academic disciplines to confront 21st century environmental challenges: We employ interdisciplinary approaches to advance innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems. We advance our work and strengthen community through impactful pursuits to promote understanding and action on complex socio-environmental problems for the well-being of the planet and all the life it sustains.

  • Conduct use-inspired research and practice to participate in developing environmental solutions.
  • Prepare students to address 21st century environmental challenges by teaching them how to synthesize approaches from the natural and social sciences, as well as the humanities.
  • Work collaboratively across the university and within the public sphere to catalyze progress on environmental issues.