This strategic plan is the result of a yearlong, College-wide, deliberative process.
Aligned with Oregon State University’s mission to develop leadership among land grant universities, the plan will guide the College of Science over the next five years in our aims to lead in inclusive scientific research, education and engagement in Oregon and globally.
Our last strategic plan ended in 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic led to our rapid transition to remote learning and transformation to a new normal. During this same time, widespread publicity of racial injustice and inequality in the U.S criminal justice, healthcare and education systems emerged in full force. This prompted a reckoning in academic institutions across the country, including at Oregon State.
Over the 2020-21 academic year, our Science community worked to produce a visionary diversity action plan, "Embedding Equity, Access and Inclusion." This plan, which aims to ensure accessible and equitable education and research opportunities in the College, is integrated and embedded into this strategic plan.
Our new Strategic Plan plan identifies distinctive College of Science strengths that will solidify our leadership in 2030. It also outlines actions that will advance the following goals: Develop the next generation of science leaders, mentors and culture shapers; lead in fundamental, use-inspired and transdisciplinary scientific research, scholarship and innovation; deliver a 21st century high-quality, innovative science education that is equitable, accessible and inclusive of all learners; and achieve critical and visible impact in local, national and global science communities.
Importantly, this is an adaptive community-created plan that reflects the priorities and values of our College of Science community – undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni – who deliberated extensively over the 2021-22 academic year. Their input, along with Oregon State’s SP4.0 commitments, shaped our plan’s bold vision to extend the impact and reach of science.
Vrushali Bokil
Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Interim Dean
College of Science
