Mission Statement
Whether pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, students in the College of Sciences work closely with the faculty to discover the world around them. These relationships are developed in the classroom and nurtured through hands-on research and community service.
The mission of the College of Sciences is to serve the citizens of Nevada, the United States, and the world through discovery that expands knowledge in the natural, mathematical and physical sciences through conveyance of this knowledge to our students in an excellent learning environment, and through engagement in which we share our skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm with diverse communities beyond the University.
Goals
The goals of the College of Sciences are listed below, augmenting each goals statement is a series of strategies (PDF) designed to meet the goal and metrics used to evaluate the success toward attaining the goal.
Research
The College of Sciences aspires to develop and to nurture a community of scientists who are among the world leaders in specific areas and who generate knowledge at the forefront of science. Research and discovery, in symbiosis with education, is our hallmark. The discovery and understanding of the physics of quantum states and devices, biological systems and the fundamental questions concerning the origin and evolution of earth and the universe will continue to be core focus areas. We work in partnership with 4 diverse collaborations across traditional boundaries to understand physical and biological systems such as nanoscale structures and biological molecules. In conjunction with our colleagues both within and outside the University, faculty, staff, and students participate in the application and exploitation of our scientific discoveries and expertise to the benefit of the University, the citizens of Nevada, and society in general.
Goal 1: To become one of the finest Colleges of Sciences among urban research universities.
Goal 2: Expand interdisciplinary activities.
Goal 3: Attract and retain first-rate graduate students to match the growth in research.
Goal 4: Provide state-of-the-art resources for research.
Goal 5: Provide opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to
become involved in research as early as possible.
Goal 6: Develop partnerships with groups beyond the campus.
Education
The College of Sciences creates innovative and engaging learning environments in which students are educated to the full extent of their abilities. Our programs will produce highly skilled and knowledgeable scientists educated in a state-of-the-art research environment. In addition we provide the education needed by diverse student populations, including formal grounding in the sciences for technical disciplines and a general appreciation and understanding of the sciences for non-specialists. At all times we convey the excitement of discovery and its relevance to our everyday life and our understanding of the universe.
Goal 1: Provide excellent courses, innovative curricula and learning
environments.
Goal 2: Establish the undergraduate science majors as a national model.
Goal 3: Create a corps of graduate teaching assistants recognized for
excellence in teaching.
Goal 4: Excellence in teaching service courses.
Goal 5: Improve student learning through advances in science education
research.
Goal 6: Provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities for learning.
Goal 7: Increase the human and intellectual diversity of the College of
Sciences.
Service
The College of Sciences will engage diverse populations of learners by developing innovative educational initiatives and services, and will actively engage our alumni and friends in mutually beneficial relationships in support of teaching, research, and community service activities.
Goal 1: To have a nationally recognized science outreach program for
engaging K-12 students.
Goal 2: To provide professional support for high school teachers
throughout the state and region.
Goal 3: To provide programs, in collaboration with the College of
Education, in support of the scientific and pedagogical training of K-12 pre-service and in-service teachers, and opportunities for the
inclusion of undergraduates in outreach activities.
Goal 4: Cultivate support from friends and alumni to support the major
priorities of the College of Sciences.
Goal 5: Develop a program to promote scientific literacy among the general population.
Goal 6: To encourage faculty, students and staff to share their knowledge,
expertise, and enthusiasm for science with the community, state and
nation through partnerships and creative dissemination programs.