VISION / STRATEGIC PLAN LEADING THE GROWTH 2030
VISION STATEMENT
Growth and impact in STEM education and research into the coming decade
C
OLLE GE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERIN G
VISION
STATEMENT GROWTH AND IMPACT IN STEM EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INTO THE COMING DECADE
THE WHY?
As the Jesuit, Catholic university in Seattle with a faculty committed to innovation and humanity, we are ideally positioned to address transformational shifts in global society, education and technology.
As a leader in driving growth for the university, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) equips students not only with the technical skills to address the promise and challenges of emerging technologies, but also with the ethical foundation needed to navigate and influence these changes and address the grand challenges facing humanity. Our Jesuit values inspire students to think critically, act responsibly and lead with integrity.
By leveraging our collective strengths in innovation, STEM education and ethical leadership, we prepare our students to address the promise and pitfalls of technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. We teach them to find innovative solutions to pressing economic, health and educational access challenges. We encourage them to meet the crucial need to “care for our common home,” embodied in Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’.
CSE is focused on advancing growth at Seattle University. Taken together, our three strategic priorities provide a clear blueprint for our institutional ambitions and focus our energies on improving outreach, expanding graduate education, increasing demographic and socio-economic diversity, and building upon our established teacher-scholar model that is an expression of our Jesuit values and highly regarded core curriculum.
THE THREE PRIORITIES ARE
1 2 3
Growing with the rapidly evolving emerging technologies in computing, data and information ecosystem.
Infusing innovation and expanding experiential learning.
Fostering access and excellence in STEM education and research.
WHY THESE PRIORITIES? WHY CSE?
STEM education engages students in critical thinking and problem-solving with creativity and innovation. In these times of rapid technological change, when we must remain centered on our humanity, Seattle University, with its Jesuit values and engagement in Seattle’s world-class hightech ecosystem, offers unparalleled opportunities for a life-changing education.
CSE’s model ensures students receive personalized mentorship from faculty who are both educators and leaders in their field. Our faculty bring cutting-edge research into the classroom, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
With rapid technological advances, complex societal challenges, increased interdisciplinary collaboration and widening gaps in who benefits from such advances, CSE must lead the way in engaging and growing the next generation of ethical leaders who can solve these challenges while living our Jesuit values.
Design thinking, creativity and hands-on problem-solving help people think critically, make thoughtful decisions and reflect deeply while working together to tackle global challenges. In CSE, we develop leaders who know how to solve global grand challenges with a strong ethical and moral perspective. Our Seattle location provides the opportunity to maximize the use of technical knowledge and innovation present within our community. We must leverage this ecosystem for learning, research and developing new programs.
Our inclusive academic environment ensures that students from all backgrounds feel seen and are supported and empowered. Our programs offer cohort-based learning and peer mentorship to foster a strong sense of belonging.
It is important to remember that data show that attaining a four-year degree improves earnings over a high school diploma alone; decreases unemployment; and vastly increases capacity for moving from one social or economic strata to another, uplifting generations. STEM education enhances community, and global challenges require a diverse STEM workforce to develop new and innovative human-centered solutions. In fostering access to and excellence in STEM education, infused with innovative and creative thinking and led by Jesuit values, we seek to create a more diverse and accessible education, particularly considering demographic shifts. By focusing on this priority, we will provide opportunities for all talented low- and middleincome and first-generation students who are drawn to our values-driven, whole-person approach to education.
GROWTH 2030
Growth 2030 is a plan that leverages our time-tested Jesuit educational model, builds upon Seattle University’s Strategic Directions and enhances our expression of values-based STEM education. The plan is guided by our goal to learn, grow and adapt to the changing needs of our society while being grounded in core principles of Ignatian pedagogy.
Inspiring a new era of growth and impact, CSE will redefine its future through strategic innovation. Building on our foundation of creativity and collaboration, this strategic plan positions CSE for success with a focus on enhancing educational programs, supporting faculty and providing vital resources for students. These resources will empower our community, aligning with the broader Seattle University Comprehensive Campaign.
The strategic vision for 2030 represents a critical step forward as we strive to deliver worldclass STEM education, expand our college and deepen our connections with the Seattle community. By prioritizing key capacities and infrastructure, our campaign ensures we can prepare students to tackle humanity's greatest challenges.
PRIORITY / 1
Growing with the rapidly evolving emerging technologies in computing, data and information ecosystem.
There are many strong bases to build out this priority:
• Growth in computer science and data science programs in CSE.
• Increasing engagement with partners in the greater Seattle ecosystem.
• The emergence of Generative AI and its ethical applications in service to humanity in our backyard.
• Multidisciplinary STEM college with faculty who engage students with data and computing in diverse disciplinary contexts.
GOAL 1
Expand our portfolio of graduate programs.
INITIATIVE 1
Launch online master’s programs in artificial intelligence (MSAI), cybersecurity (MS Cybersecurity) and data science (MSDS).
INITIATIVE 2
Explore and develop 4+1 BS/MS program pathways.
GOAL 2
Establish new undergraduate programs in interdisciplinary fields of emerging technologies.
INITIATIVE 1
Develop and launch undergraduate programs in emerging fields including data science, cybersecurity, game development and neuroscience.
GOAL 3
Expand pathways for students to pursue interdisciplinary intersections with computing, data and information.
INITIATIVE 1
Expand micro-credentials and minors in support of our programs.
INITIATIVE 2
Integrate ethical, responsible and effective use of computing, data and information across the CSE curriculum for all students in their fields of study.
GOAL 4
Embrace and expand the role of computing, data and information in our work.
INITIATIVE 1
Recruit and retain faculty to catalyze the integration of AI and other emerging technologies into our teaching, learning and scholarship.
INITIATIVE 2
Expand our identity and brand to embrace computing, data and information ecosystem.
PRIORITY / 2
Infusing innovation and expanding experiential learning.
There are many strong bases to build this priority:
• Project Center and its 38-year history for experiential learning.
• Undergraduate research and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) paradigm of learning by doing.
• Partnership with the Albers School of Business and Economics Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
• Relationship with greater Seattle ecosystem through alumni and partners including the Sundborg Center for Community Engagement.
GOAL 1
Expand experiential and immersive learning opportunities in our curriculum.
INITIATIVE 1
Expand undergraduate research opportunities and CURE courses.
INITIATIVE 2
Infuse experiential learning in first-year courses.
GOAL 2
Expand opportunities for students to engage in transformative experiential learning locally and globally.
INITIATIVE 1
Increase the number of transformative opportunities for students to apply their skills to real world problems through internships, externships, startup acceleration and industry-linked projects.
INITIATIVE 2
Increase the number of opportunities for students to apply their learning towards a more just and humane world through global immersions, humanitarian and sustainability projects, and local community-engaged experiential learning opportunities.
INITIATIVE 3
Engage alumni locally, nationally and globally, creating a network of mentors for students as they pursue educational and career goals.
GOAL 3
Strengthen the community of learners by investing in our faculty and bolstering the impact of their research and teaching.
INITIATIVE 1
Develop new endowed chairs and professorships to support faculty scholars in key areas of expertise and distinction in alignment with our mission.
INITIATIVE 2
Expand the scope and depth of faculty research support and increase the number of externally funded grants including those in interdisciplinary and emerging areas.
INITIATIVE 3
Empower and incentivize the community to learn and collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.
PRIORITY / 3
Fostering access and excellence in STEM education and research. There are many strong bases to build this priority:
• Jesuit commitment to fostering access and a culture of belonging.
• Seattle University’s designation as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and aspiration to be a Hispanic-serving institution.
• Our recognition as the most socioeconomically diverse institution.
• Faculty and staff commitment to support all students in STEM.
GOAL 1
Grow enrollment in, and expand the prominence of, our programs and brand identity to strengthen our impact on Greater Seattle and beyond.
INITIATIVE 1
Develop scholarships and financial aid opportunities to enhance access for students in CSE.
INITIATIVE 2
Bolster partnerships with high schools, community colleges and STEM organizations.
INITIATIVE 3
Expand summer STEM programming for local K-12 students.
GOAL 2
Increase retention and graduation outcomes for all students.
INITIATIVE 1
Develop programs and partnerships for mentoring all students to increase completion rates.
INITIATIVE 2
Expand CSE experience to build community and belonging for all.
INITIATIVE 3
Develop personalized learning pathways to support the success of all students in collaboration with the Office of Student Success.
INITIATIVE 4
Engage all students in career preparation for the future of work and lifelong success.
GOAL 3
Reimagine curriculum and degree programs to maximize student flexibility and preparation for the future of work.
INITIATIVE 1
Collaborate with the CORE Curriculum to create interdisciplinary STEM opportunities for all students.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING