The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is entering a new era of excellence with the adoption of an Academic Strategic Plan.

Nearly two years in the making, the plan sets an ambitious vision for A&S that builds on its foundational strengths. The document outlines the college’s mission, vision and strategic goals, in addition to its strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results.

Karin Ruhlandt, dean of A&S and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, calls the plan a “roadmap for the future.” “It spells out everything that needs to be done to meet our vision,” she says. “Considerable attention is paid to our foundational strengths of diversity and inclusion, educational excellence, and research and discovery. The result will be a dynamic, ambitious, innovative, research-driven approach to instruction and discovery, where success is more than a buzzword—it’s a way of life.”

Dympna Callaghan—University Professor, the William L. Safire Professor of Modern Letters and professor of English in A&S—chaired three working groups, which formulated findings and recommendations for the collegewide plan. Their detailed reports also formed the basis of a much wider discussion about the strategic planning process.

Ruhlandt expresses gratitude for Callaghan’s leadership and the positive contributions of hundreds of people, including A&S students, staff, faculty and alumni; members of the Dean’s Cabinet and Board of Visitors; her decanal predecessors; and other campus stakeholders.

“Many people had a hand in shaping the strategic plan, which is a living, breathing document,” Ruhlandt says. “It allows for routine assessment of progress toward key objectives and regular revision to account for changes in the environment. It creates a path for success.”   

Download a PDF of the plan. Hard copies are available in the Office of the Dean (300 Hall of Languages).