Strategic Planning
Synergies between Science/Engineering
and Liberal Arts/Social Sciences
“Bridging Disciplines: Solving Complex Problems”
College of Agricultural
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Consumer & Family Sciences
The Graduate School
College of Liberal Arts
School of Management
College of Pharmacy, Nursing & Health Sciences
College of Science
College of Technology
School of Veterinary Medicine
Bridging Disciplines; Solving Complex Problems
Why Synergies: Why Now?
• “A new Era and a Different World”
• Need for Science/Engineering and Liberal Arts/Social
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Sciences to address complex research questions that affect
diverse groups in different ways
Global challenges require science, technology, critical
analysis and understanding of diverse cultures and societies
Path breaking research occurs at the intersection of
disciplines
Responsibility for preparing future leaders, citizens,
educators, and researchers for the challenges they will face
Position Purdue University as a leader in defining the
academic structures and culture needed to become a
synergistic, engaged university in the 21st Century
Building the Bridges
I. Synergies Advancement Council (SAC)
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Synergistic collaborations exist at Purdue, but more
could be fostered
Synergies Advancement Council will remove obstacles
by:
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Facilitating individualized plans of study for
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Providing Information and networks for
interdisciplinary scholars
Awarding incentives for developing crossdisciplinary endeavors
Publicizing the new initiatives
“Is Purdue out to create brilliant researchers
or brilliant citizens of the world community
who happen to be researchers?”
II. A Core Curricular Experience
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Citizens of the world community need an integrated
core curricular experience, not mere “exposure” to
other disciplines
Focus on learning outcomes – problem solving,
teamwork, critical thinking, and multiple perspectives
on the same issue
Integrative learning should occur in courses above the
100-level introductory courses
Core curriculum integrated into college requirements,
not additional requirements
“Citizenship in the 21st Century University”
III. A University-Wide Review of Tenure and
Promotion Practices
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Promotion and tenure procedures are fundamental process
for determining who deserves to become a full-time
“citizen” at the university
Promotion and tenure reward what the institution values
Current disconnect between values and rewards
Purdue has an opportunity to take a leadership role in
defining promotion and tenure policies suitable for the
demands of the 21st century university
Funding – this proposal requires no funding, but visionary
leadership and a collective will are needed to make it
successful.
Synergies and Impact
IV. An Institute of Public and Global Affairs
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Public policy – an area of strength with a foundation for future
growth
Area of growth – new initiatives by liberal arts scholars and
social scientists with an interest in the impact of policy on
societies and communities
Focus on areas of strength: Energy, Environment/Climate
Change, Regional Development, and Women, Children, and
Families
Coordinate current public policy research and seek new
initiatives involving collaborations between science/engineering
and liberal arts/social sciences
Discovery projects lead to individualized programs of a study at
graduate and undergraduate levels
Synergies and Purdue in the 21st Century
• Cultivate respect for diverse people and
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disciplines
Enhance the talents of faculty and students
Position Purdue as a synergistic and global
university ready for the challenges that lie
ahead
Contribute to Discovery, Learning, and
Engagement