Appendix E — UD Mission & Strategy Statement (Summary)

E.1 Mission

The University of Delaware exists to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the free exchange of ideas. State-assisted yet privately governed, the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, which is manifested in its research and creative activities, teaching, and service, in line with its commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic, artistic, and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society. Founded in 1743 and chartered by the state in 1833, the University of Delaware today is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university.

The University of Delaware is a major research university with extensive graduate programs that is also dedicated to outstanding undergraduate and professional education. UD faculty are committed to the intellectual, cultural, and ethical development of students as citizens, scholars, and professionals. UD graduates are prepared to contribute to a global and diverse society that requires leaders with creativity, integrity, and a dedication to service.

The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn, and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry, and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population.

An institution engaged in addressing the critical needs of the state, nation, and global community, the University of Delaware carries out its mission with the support of alumni who span the globe and in partnership with public, private, and nonprofit institutions in Delaware and beyond.

E.2 Summary of Values

  • Academic Freedom: Foster an environment promoting free exchange of ideas and ensuring everyone benefits.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and intercultural experiences for global education and advancement.
  • Innovation: Embrace revolutionary thinking, collaborate across disciplines, and tackle major challenges with creativity.
  • Community: Advocate for individual voices, promote respect, civility, and mutual dialogue for enhanced learning.
  • Service: Forge innovative partnerships with government, industry, and communities for economic and civic development.
  • First State Commitment: Provide affordable education for Delawareans, strengthen the state’s economy, and build community partnerships for a brighter future.

E.3 Summary of UD’s Strategic Plan

UD’s strategic plan is called “Forward and Forever”. The plan presents five pillars, known as strategic priorities, and can be found at https://www.udel.edu/about/leadership/strategic-plan/.

E.3.1 Summary of The Five Pillars

Figure E.1 accompanied presentation of UD’s five strategic priorities; below that is a bullet-point summary of those priorities.

Figure E.1: University-level strategic priorities.
  1. Expanding Student Access & Success
    • Retention Rates
    • Graduation Rates
    • Class Size
    • Class Rank
    • Average Federal Indebtedness
  2. Building a Social Justice Foundation to Support a Diverse, Inclusive & Intercultural Campus
    • Underrepresented Minority Students
    • Pell Students
    • Underrepresented Minority Graduation Rates
    • Pell Graduation Rates
    • Underrepresented Minority New Faculty
  3. Expanding Interdisciplinary & Global Opportunities
    • International Undergraduates Students
    • International Graduate Students
    • International Student Graduation Rates
    • Double Majors
    • International Faculty
  4. Redefining Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    • U.S News & World Report Overall Rank
    • Degrees in Entrepreneurship
    • Net Tuition Revenues
    • Federal Research Expenditures
    • Private Grants and Contracts
  5. Reimagining Intellectual & Physical Capital for a Sustainable & Boundless Campus
    • Student-to-Faculty Ratio
    • Research Expenditures
    • Intellectual Density
    • Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty
    • Average Faculty Salaries