Merged college of Science
STRATEGIC PLANNING
The College of Science and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences both have long, impactful histories at the University of Utah. As separate colleges, strategic plans were developed and released in 2020 (CoS) and 2022 (CMES).
2020 College of Science Strategic Plan
2022 College of Mines and Earth Sciences Priorities Refresh (available on CMES intranet)
For many years, discussions about merging the two colleges percolated, and after the successful partnership on the construction of the new Applied Science building, housing units from both colleges, a two-phase merger of the two colleges commenced on July 1, 2022.
As we join together as a merged college, now is the time to chart a new vision and strategic plan. The timeline below is meant to provide an overview of the merger process, and what the next steps will be for the merged college community.
View the Draft Strategic Plan. Provide feedback (comments close 4/8/24).
Strategic plan 2024 Timeline
2019
Planning for the Applied Science Building, co-housing the departments of Physics & Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences, begins. Cooperation across the College of Science and College of Mines and Earth Sciences prompts initial discussions around a college merger.
July 2022
President Taylor Randall announces the merger between the College of Science and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. The two-phase merger will unite well-funded programs, build synergy and cooperation between faculty and create a much stronger base for science and mathematics education at the U.
Fall 2022
Staff and non-academic administrative functions begin to integrate as phase one of the merger commences. Teams of administration, facilities, development, marketing, student affairs, and advising coalesce jointly across both colleges. Town halls with faculty, staff and students are held to discuss the merger process.
January 2023
The Earth & Environmental Science major is approved. This interdisciplinary degree brings together the departments of Atmospheric Science and Geology & Geophysics and the School of Biological Sciences, working collaboratively together.
February 2023
The Applied Science Building groundbreaking ceremony is held, and the creation of the Crocker Science Complex is announced.
May 2023
The Colleges hold a joint convocation ceremony at Huntsman Arena.
June 2023
Peter Trapa, Dean of the College of Science, is appointed Acting Dean of the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. Strategic planning for the merged college begins, including discussions about faculty governance structures.
August 2023
A merged College Town Hall is held to provide an overview of the merger and strategic planning process. Faculty, staff, and students are informed about focus groups occuring over the next several weeks, as well as a college-wide survey.
September 2023
An all-faculty meeting to review process regarding governance structures and framing strategic planning process is held in early September. The survey is distributed to the merged college community for strategic planning feedback and priority-setting.
October 2023
Focus groups are held with college stakeholders, including students, faculty and staff, and individual feedback opportunities with the leadership team.
November 2023
A draft of the merged college charter is circulated among faculty and staff, with an opportunity to provide feedback. On November 16, the charter is officially presented to the COS and CMES College Councils, with the vote to adopt the charter approved by both.
December 2023
The strategic planning leadership team begins framing the strategic planning process and overview of spring semester. After ratification by CMES faculty, the merged charter is approved by College of Science and College of Mines and Earth Sciences Councils. College leadership presented the merged charter and unit change process to the Academic Senate Executive Council, which began the process of formal governance changes as a final merger step.
February 2024
- Strategic Planning stakeholder survey results summarized (view the summary here)
- Merged college charter approved by the Academic Senate Executive Committee
March 2024
- Drafting of the 2024 College of Science Strategic Plan
- Feedback collected from College and Department leadership, student leadership, and college stakeholders
April 2024
- Draft Strategic Plan finalized and presented for comments (comments close 4/8/24)
- Strategic Plan updated and finalized
- Strategic Plan presented to College Council
Primary Contacts
Peter Trapa, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science; Acting Dean, College of Mines and Earth SciencesContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
Peter Trapa, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science; Acting Dean, College of Mines and Earth SciencesContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
lindsey.despain@utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Pearl Sandick, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty and ResearchContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
Pearl Sandick, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty and ResearchContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
sandick@physics.utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Cassie Slattery
Director of Special Projects801-581-6958
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Cassie Slattery
Director of Special Projects801-581-6958
cassie.slattery@utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Team Members
Vahe Bandarian, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student AffairsContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
Vahe Bandarian, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student AffairsContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
vahe@chem.utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Siva Guruswamy, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic AffairsContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
Siva Guruswamy, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic AffairsContact Lindsey DeSpain 801-581-6958
s.guruswamy@utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 310
Sam Shaw
Student Success Manager801-213-0919
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 210
Sam Shaw
Student Success Manager801-213-0919
sam.shaw@utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 210