Strategic plan

Mission

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning will maintain excellence in educating M.U.P. students in the theories, methods, values and practices of planning so that they may achieve the highest professional standards and be of greatest service to their communities.

Goal 1

Attract and successfully graduate a highly qualified, diverse undergraduate and graduate student body who will be able to work with diverse constituencies in rapidly changing urban environments, especially in the complex environments of legacy cities.

Outcome/objectives

1.a. Attract, retain and graduate a highly qualified, diverse student body of sufficient size to sustain a quality program.

1.b. Ensure the program’s excellence in student advising and mentoring to enhance the quality of M.U.P. experience and expedite completion.

1.c. Recruit and retain a full- and part-time faculty that is of a size, caliber, diversity, professional and public service orientation, to foster excellence.

1.d. Strengthen the department by hiring at least one additional assistant professor.

Goal 2

Prepare planning professionals to perform effectively in the public, private and non-profit sectors with a strong education in general planning, as well as specialized training in selected planning sub-fields.

Outcome/objectives

2.a. Ensure the program’s excellence in delivering key curriculum components, in the core, as they relate to planning knowledge, skills and values.

2.b. Provide students with opportunities to develop a depth of knowledge and confidence in a planning specialization (Housing and Community Development, Urban Economic Development and Managing Metropolitan Growth) from which to grow and gain marketable skills.

2.c. Ensure the program’s excellence in real-world professional practice, through internships and other professional opportunities.

Goal 3

Contribute to enhancing the understanding of urban systems and issues and the knowledge and practice of planning, through research, professional and scholarly activities and public service conducted by our faculty, students and alumni.

Outcome/objectives

3.a. Influence the development of knowledge of urban systems, planning and policy through research; contribute to academic field-building in urban studies and planning and innovative planning practice through public service and professional activities.