University of Virginia
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

During the spring of 2007, President Casteen launched the Commission on the Future of the University, a group charged with proposing strategic directions for the University for the next decade and beyond. The commission operated with four committees: Schools and the Medical Center, Programmatic Initiatives, Faculty and Student Life, and Funding and Other Resources. The environmental dimensions of sustainability are addressed in each of the Commission's three priorities to reconfigure the University for the 21st century. The following excerpts from the Commissions 2008 report "Strategies for the Future of the University of Virginia" illustrate this: "The University is committed to protecting and improving the environment through teaching and research and through investments in well-designed buildings, optimized land use, provision of public transportation, energy efficiency, water preservation, waste reduction, and recycling." "Collaboration across schools will improve as we adopt strategic approaches to joint learning, joint research, and joint service in science, international programs, the humanities, and environmental sustainability." "We will create innovative opportunities for intellectual engagement beyond the classroom, for example by engaging students in environmental stewardship while bringing science and other disciplines, not least among them health policy, law, economics, architecture, and engineering to bear on global problems."

During the spring of 2007, President Casteen launched the Commission on the Future of the University, a group charged with proposing strategic directions for the University for the next decade and beyond. The commission operated with four committees: Schools and the Medical Center, Programmatic Initiatives, Faculty and Student Life, and Funding and Other Resources. Among the recommendations of the Commission was the creation of Jefferson Public Citizens (JPC), a comprehensive academic public service program that integrates students’ service and research experiences throughout their time at the University. The goals of the program are to: Be a catalyst for students to build upon coursework, create knowledge and become active citizens for the public good. Create partnerships between university faculty and students and local, national and international communities to jointly address identified societal needs.Develop students’ ability to produce personal and scholarly reflection and to appreciate the values of diversity and equity. Create a university community that values community-engaged scholarship. Engage faculty to participate in academic community partnerships through teaching and research.