We are taking the University of Denver boldly into the future. The demands placed on our students require DU to think innovatively about education and learning. Advances in technology, changes in demographics, increasing globalization and global connection, the shifting nature of jobs and careers, the challenges of cultural and political division regionally, nationally, and internationally—all of these complexities and more compel us to reimagine how to best serve students and create scholarship that serves the public good and contributes to human knowledge.
For the past five years, the University of Denver has worked diligently to bring our strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025, to life. Our progress is worth celebrating, and we have no intention of slowing down. Now, over halfway through implementation, five focus areas—or strategic imperatives—rise to the surface. These five imperatives represent our most pressing priorities and most exciting potential.
By courageously pursuing our goals—goals defined collaboratively by our students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends—the University of Denver can and will meet the needs of our students and of society. To do so, we will do as we have always done: rely on the ingenuity, genius, innovation and resolve of our DU community.
Five Strategic Imperatives
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Ensure a sustainable future for the next generation through our financial, reputational, and operational practices
Focusing on affordability, access and opportunity.
Since our 1864 founding, the University of Denver has served generations of students by transforming to meet the needs of this day and age. By focusing on affordability and access, providing meaningful and hands-on learning opportunities and attracting dedicated students, brilliant and engaged faculty members, committed staff and capable leadership we ensure the University’s future, and thus, our students’ success.
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Create a unique global, holistic, ‘4D’ student experience
Preparing students to excel professionally and personally.
It's not enough for students to graduate with a limited set of skills and narrowly defined knowledge. At DU, we believe the student experience should encompass more, so that our students can do and accomplish more. We call this the 4D Student Experience. Intellectual growth and academics are the foundation, but professional development, health and wellness and the exploration of character provide additional structures on which students can build futures that are not only successful, but purposeful and fulfilling.
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Cultivate an exceptionally diverse, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming community
Working together for equity and uplift.
Diverse communities are stronger, more resilient and more productive, and the University of Denver champions diversity, equity, and inclusion because it's our moral obligation. We strive to welcome individuals from all backgrounds to our campus, and we commit to providing the structures and programming to ensure this community becomes an example for others seeking to lift up marginalized voices.
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Define and model a global, engaged research university
Making an impact in Colorado and around the world.
Our faculty and research centers are impactful forces of good, here in Denver and across the globe. We continually seek new ways of doing, collaborating and discovering. Situated in the heart of Denver—a connected and bustling city—we see even more opportunity for DU to connect to and contribute to research that makes an impact on a global scale.
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Ensure a signature portfolio of academic programs
A relentless pursuit of excellence.
DU differentiates itself through our academic programs. Our curriculum must continually transform as we empower our faculty to apply their passions and expertise to serve as mentors and educators. As a community, DU commits to the continual evaluation of our programs, always looking for new and better ways to meet the interests and demands of our students, faculty and society.
Our Vision for the Future
DU IMPACT 2025 is our long-term plan, and focuses on using innovation, research, scholarship and collaboration to serve the public good and provide an exemplary educational experience.
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