- Strategy - Every school and department has a clear strategy for excellence in graduate education (some may decide to be small but excellent). It is not the intention to support undistinguished programs; rather, we will focus our scarce resources in programs that enable us to distinguish Tufts.
- Definition - Each school and department will have an operational definition of excellence in graduate education. These definitions need not be the same. Moreover, in some schools the definitions may differ by program. (e.g., The definition for excellence in Fletcher may differ for the professional masters programs and the research oriented Ph.D. programs.)
- Synergies - We will have capitalized on synergies across schools and departments in building excellence in graduate education at Tufts (e.g. Life Sciences, the Environment, Bioterrorism/Security, etc.)
- Integration - We will have more tightly integrated our research and educational mission in graduate education so that research reinforces the educational mission and vice versa.
- Strengthen Undergraduate Programs - Undergraduate programs will be strengthened by the existence of graduate educational programs. Talented undergraduate students are provided with research and course opportunities that they would not be able to procure at four-year liberal arts colleges. Undergraduates will receive the same high quality and attention they would receive at the best liberal arts college in the context of a small research university. More opportunities will be available for undergraduates to participate in graduate education, including courses, when consistent with Schools' and departments' graduate teaching mission. Graduate education and research will reinforce the undergraduate experience. Graduate education is not a zero sum game-it does not dilute but enhances and amplifies undergraduate education.
- Community Membership - Graduate students and graduate education have become a full, integrated part of the university and are afforded the highest quality education and an appropriate level of services to meet their needs.
- Resource Allocation - The process of resource allocation reinforces all of the above.
Terms/phrases to define process: Excellence, focus, integration, synergy, sharpen image, aim resources, simplify.
