Strategic Initiative #1

Expand and strengthen graduate student and postdoctoral scholar resources and services

• Develop additional professional development opportunities for scholars
• Collect and share data and stories of scholar outcomes and contributions to the University
• Promote and showcase graduate student experiential learning and career opportunities
• Build a strong sense of community for scholars
• In collaboration with other units on campus, support the whole graduate student through professional and personal development, including but not limited to academic, career, mental health, wellness, and financial support

Strategic Initiative #2

Create an enriching environment through training and professional development for graduate program faculty and staff

• Identify and share general and discipline-specific best practices in graduate education through workshops and educational resources
• Provide marketing, communications and recruitment support through office hour consultations and workshops
• Support positive mentoring relationships/environment for graduate students and postdocs

Strategic Initiative #3

Advance quality, innovation and access of graduate curriculum while optimizing the curriculum review and approval process

• Advocate for new and support existing transdisciplinary graduate programs
• Educate faculty and staff on how to develop equitable curriculum
• Facilitate the update of existing curriculum in light of disciplinary best-practices to ensure programs are in line with the academic standards of an R1 Research Institution and New York’s Flagship University
• Support the incorporation of professional competencies and experiences into curriculum requirements

Strategic Initiative #4

Improve equity and efficiency of systems, policies, and processes

• Serve as a centralized resource for information on graduate student and postdoc affairs
• Routinely collect feedback from faculty/staff and students to improve Graduate School  processes and degree programs
• Provide opportunities for communication of Graduate School initiatives and the sharing of program data to support evidence-based decision making
• Optimize centralized admissions processes and collaborate with program faculty and staff to recruit and enroll a diverse mix of domestic and international students

Strategic Initiative #5

Invest in our Graduate School staff and their careers

• Create internal/external networking opportunities and professional development at all levels
• Celebrate and recognize staff achievements and promote wellness
• Cross-team training to ensure staff understands the scope of work accomplished