Transforming the University: Final Recommendations of the Task Force on Collegiate Design: CNR, COAFES, CHE

Abstract

Integration of the broad range of scholarship present in the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Natural Resources, and the Food Science and Nutrition Department provides a host of new opportunities to achieve greater excellence in research, teaching, and outreach. Our review and discussions over the past three months lead us to believe that this consolidation will enhance the University’s biological and social science contributions to the environment, agriculture, human health, food systems, and natural resources. Our key recommendations are summarized below, organized around the five Strategic Areas in the President’s Repositioning report. These recommendations include having world class faculty and outstanding students, formation of transitional clusters of departments for development of synergies and principles for reconfiguration. Such clusters would serve as a platform for strengthened teaching and outreach efforts and growth in competitive research funding. We also recommend establishment of a University-wide Institute of the Environment, enhancement of interdisciplinary efforts with other units, expansion of scholarly activities related to translational biology, and further development of public engagement.