Strategic Vision
FY 2023-28
Updated: 11/2024
Research and Innovation
We empower engineering students in ethical conduct supported by skilled teachers, innovative pedagogy, and collaborative learning environments
Vision
The Herbst Program delves into the complex relationship between engineering, technology, and society by offering courses that teach critical thinking and hone communication skills. As technology evolves rapidly, so must the pedagogy we use to connect responsible and ethical engineering practices with technical expertise. Our faculty actively designs unique, dynamic classrooms where innovative approaches offer students comprehensive approaches for new and unexpected professional situations. We believe that engineers must be equipped with tools to navigate unique challenges in professional situations and be able to make sound, ethical decisions in real time. Through this targeted education and practice, our program equips young engineers to apply ethical principles thoughtfully and effectively in a constantly changing professional landscape.
In the next five years, we will:
- Be instrumental in promoting the integration of ethics and leadership in accordance with the college’s mission and our understanding of what it means to be an engineer.
- Be offering courses that speak to ethics. Our courses will spark discussions on how to humanize innovation and the impact of science and technology on people in local and global communities.
- Be leaders in innovative pedagogical approaches to course materials that focus on a deeper understanding of contextual engineering and ethics through history, sociology, politics, literature, philosophy, art, and music.
To enable this vision, we will:
- Collaborate with CEAS faculty and other ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ colleges.
- Be on the forefront of integrating generative AI into our classes while educating our students about the ethical considerations.
- Encourage undergraduate Herbst Fellows to share their research in publications, teaching workshops, and presentations to CEAS faculty, and with the community at large.
- Encourage faculty to attend conferences and workshops on pedagogy in STEM education.
- Create interdisciplinary spaces and/or work groups within CEAS for ethical and socially engaged engineering practices.
- Strengthen our various collaborations with national and international partners.
Education
Fostering ethical engineers for societal impact
Vision
Our courses provide students with a holistic understanding of the societal impact and ethical considerations inherent in their field of engineering, ensuring they are not only skilled problem solvers but also ethical leaders. Our program empowers the next generation of engineers to approach their work with a deep sense of responsibility towards both humanity and a sustainable environment. Our curriculum enhances traditional technical training because we incorporate critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. We believe in fostering engineers who are not just technically proficient, but also equipped to navigate the complex ethical dilemmas that arise in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.
In the next five years, we will:
- Be partners with the Engineering Connection First-Year Residential Community in fostering the fundamental values of belonging, mattering, ownership, inclusivity, and service throughout the undergraduate experience in and beyond the classroom.
- Be known for encouraging student learning by fostering curiosity, enthusiasm, critical and analytical thinking as a principal component of human thriving.
- Be a leader in integrating ethics into the engineering curriculum.
To enable this vision, we will:
- Increase the number of CEAS students we serve by adding more seminar sections and enlarging lecture classes.
- Enhance all our courses to consider ethical & leadership dilemmas posed by the technological age with particular focus on the history and philosophy of science and technology.
- Increase student enrollment in the Herbst Certificate in Engineering, Ethics & Society, Engineering Leadership (ENLP) and strengthen their respective Fellowships for undergraduate students.
- Create a sustainable fellowship in ethics for students.
- Support the first-year residential experience through teaching, mentoring, and leading Residential Interest Groups outside the classroom.
- Collaborate with faculty and related groups in other ethics and social sustainability programs.
- Be adapting our courses to the evolving changes in the field of engineering and technology.
Inclusion
Cultivating diverse, equitable engineers
Vision
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity, equity, and belonging are driving forces. By empowering every individual to carry these principles forward, we ensure that our students emerge as engineers and community leaders who champion fairness, innovation, and positive change. We want to shape a future where diverse perspectives fuel creativity, and equity is embedded in every solution they design. We will build a world where engineering serves all, leaving a legacy of impact that extends far beyond the classroom into our communities.
In the next five years, we will:
- Be leaders in fostering a learning environment that is mindful of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Be a program that equips engineering students with the necessary skills to effectively navigate cross-cultural encounters and proficiently design solutions with a global perspective.
- Be known for our commitment to international students and international activities.
To enable this vision, we will:
- Develop an inclusion plan which aligns with the CEAS ICC guidelines. This will also include a target strategy for faculty, students, and staff.
- Seek additional funding so all students have an opportunity to participate in Herbst Global Seminars, regardless of financial challenges.
- Strengthen our courses for international students and encourage faculty to participate in cultural trainings offered through ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ International Student and Scholar Services.
- Expand current partnerships with academic coaches, the BOLD Center, and the Office of Undergraduate Education to boost students’ academic success through mentorship programs, buddy programs, and/or student ambassadors.
- Thoroughly examine ENES curricula with a focus on identifying ways to incorporate considerations of justice, inclusion, diversity, and equity.