Defining a public university of the future by focusing and strengthening our research, teaching and public service excellence across core areas.
Mission
The Academic Initiatives bring to life the University of Oregon’s mission as a public research university, driven by our place in the world. The initiatives continually push us to answer the call of tomorrow with energy, innovation and talent.
Purpose
The Academic Initiatives focus and strengthen the University of Oregon’s research, teaching excellence and public service in core themes to address major societal challenges, emphasize diverse and creative ideas, and enhance recruitment and the student experience. The initiatives leverage experiential learning and innovation, and – in so doing – define a public university of the future.
Vision
Together, our teaching, research and community engagement advance and change the world. This transformational power drives us to fulfill our mission, enrich our students, and lead the state and world as an engine of innovation, education, service, and vision. We apply our unique expertise to the world’s ever-evolving urgent needs. We serve global society in a way only the University of Oregon can, with our bold, entrepreneurial, service-oriented, forward-leaning drive.
The Environment Initiative focuses the intellectual energy and work of faculty, students, and community partners on working towards a just and livable future through transdisciplinary research, teaching, and experiential learning.
The Innovation Initiative bolsters research commercialization, enhances entrepreneurship, and propels the work of UO students, faculty, and staff into the world while fostering a community of partners and serving as a hub of resources and activities.
The Diversity Initiative affirms the UO’s intent to apply research, teaching, funding, and creativity to accelerate a reckoning with the dissonance and challenges of racial inequity.
The Presidential Initiative in Data Science employs analysis of data to empower researchers to improve the world, students to achieve successful careers, and communities to make positive transformations with a uniquely Oregon mindset, not only asking what can we do with data – but also what should we do.
The Sport and Wellness Initiative delivers a new model of education and scholarship. Programs, courses, research, and partnerships are structured to address complex sport and wellness problems with innovative and applied solutions that benefit all people across ages, abilities, and health.