SPDC Vision & Themes (PDF 2,814 KB)

School Vision

We will be known for leading education, research and outreach towards the integration of planning, design, and construction to create a sustainable built and natural environment. Our goal is to create knowledge that enriches communities, advances economic and family life through leadership, fosters the development of entrepreneurial creativity, imbues a sense of social responsibility, promotes the appreciation of cultural relevance, and above all, advances the understanding of environmentally beneficial planning, design and construction.

The following themes are integral to the realization of our Vision:

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

We believe that all our majors equally contribute to the achievement of our Vision. The seamless integration of our majors will blend the processes of planning, design and construction to prepare our graduates for work in the 21st century. We are in full support of MSU's commitment to integrative and collaborative research, teaching and outreach.

DEEPLY INFORMED

Society requires our constituent professions to act in an informed manner. We are fully aware of the responsibilities of the professions that we support. We are committed to understanding and teaching the cutting edge knowledge and practice of our professional disciplines. This includes creating active, learner-centered academic environments.

PROFESSIONAL

We train competent, caring and dedicated individuals. We will maintain professional accreditations and foster professional ethics and values for a global society.

DIRECTLY ENGAGED

The School advances knowledge that shapes the outside world. SPDC highly values direct engagement with our partners in practice, in local and national communities, and the world. The classroom is but another laboratory to demonstrate the benefits of creating a sustainable environment.

SUSTAINABLE

We will foster, explore and demonstrate sustainable practices. As a result of our efforts, the School wishes to leave future generations with more options to achieve their goals. We will actively reinforce MSU's commitment to the advancement of healthy communities, healthy environments and healthy economies.

CREATIVE

Effective planning, design and construction requires a spirit of creative innovation and exploration. We seek solutions to problems that are both innovative and capable of widespread adoption in society. This is expressed in our teaching, research, engagement and service.