Contribute to workforce development of geoscientists and educators by providing a student-centered learning environment, effective instruction and research opportunities
Emphasize high quality research and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Recruit and reward faculty who are gifted educators and researchers
Encourage and support research by undergraduate and graduate students
Integrate field-based geology with analytical techniques
Contribute to the advancement of the geosciences through both foundational and applied research
Maintain a high level of research funding to drive our research engine and attract the brightest and best graduate students
Improve our research facilities to enhance our research and teaching mission
Provide courses for a diversity of students as well as cognate courses for related programs with the purpose of increasing geoscience literacy
Provide geoscience education statewide, including through distance-delivery and online instruction
Promote an understanding of the geosciences among the general public and with respect to the role of geoscience in everyday life
Engage in geoscience outreach and advocacy to the community and K-12 schools
Develop museum and local-geoscience educational opportunities
Maintain connections with our alumni and geoscience partners
Foster a diverse professional network through constructive relationships with alumni, friends and colleagues
Seek feedback from outside the university to update and improve our department