Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Staff,
When I agreed to become director, I did so with the firm belief that the School of Human Ecology possessed the strong potential to become one of the most innovative educational and research enterprises on campus. Our faculty are talented and in pursuit of important problems. They include some of the most innovative and effective teachers to be found on campus. Our students are bold and have bright plans for the future. We are supported by marvelous alumni.
What are the next steps? After numerous conversations I have had with many of you, I offer the basic outline below. These steps are organized around three questions: How do we prepare students with broad perspective and core skill sets? How do we build on existing strengths to advance research programs and a curriculum that is science based and human focused? How do we design innovative curricular offerings that yield demanding, innovative programs and expanded life opportunities.
I offer these ideas as a starting point. As always, the devil is in the details. I seek your advice. For those of you with a stake in the future of the School of Human Ecology, for those of you who like to engage such program building endeavors, I ask, “What have I missed?”
We strive to be conscientious stewards of our many gifts and strengths. We will use the “Next Steps” outlined below, modified with your input, as the standard for decision-making. If you have additions, deletions, or other suggestions, please send them to me at seo@mail.utexas.edu.
With continuing thanks, your comments are welcome and hereby solicited.
Sheldon Ekland-Olson,
Director, School of Human Ecology
Next Steps for the School of Human Ecology
Preparing students with broad perspective and core skill sets
Science and math
Critical thinking
Creative application of basic knowledge
Entrepreneurial mind set
Global awareness
Building on strength — Science based, human focused
Nutrition and health
Family and child development
Creative design
Merchandising and business planning
Conserving heritage
Innovative materials
Sustainable energy
Internships
International Experience
Designing innovative programs
Honors programs to attract and educate the best and brightest
Sheldon Ekland-Olson
Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Staff,
When I agreed to become director, I did so with the firm belief that the School of Human Ecology possessed the strong potential to become one of the most innovative educational and research enterprises on campus. Our faculty are talented and in pursuit of important problems. They include some of the most innovative and effective teachers to be found on campus. Our students are bold and have bright plans for the future. We are supported by marvelous alumni.
What are the next steps? After numerous conversations I have had with many of you, I offer the basic outline below. These steps are organized around three questions: How do we prepare students with broad perspective and core skill sets? How do we build on existing strengths to advance research programs and a curriculum that is science based and human focused? How do we design innovative curricular offerings that yield demanding, innovative programs and expanded life opportunities.
I offer these ideas as a starting point. As always, the devil is in the details. I seek your advice. For those of you with a stake in the future of the School of Human Ecology, for those of you who like to engage such program building endeavors, I ask, “What have I missed?”
We strive to be conscientious stewards of our many gifts and strengths. We will use the “Next Steps” outlined below, modified with your input, as the standard for decision-making. If you have additions, deletions, or other suggestions, please send them to me at seo@mail.utexas.edu.
With continuing thanks, your comments are welcome and hereby solicited.
Sheldon Ekland-Olson,
Director, School of Human Ecology
Next Steps for the School of Human Ecology
Preparing students with broad perspective and core skill sets
Building on strength — Science based, human focused
Designing innovative programs