The philosophy department plays a vital role in fulfilling Grand
Valley's commitment to liberal education. The department offers a
variety of courses within the general education curriculum as well as
comprehensive major and minor programs of study. Our strategic plan for
2016-21 is aimed at engaging students at all levels, developing an
exceptional faculty, and enhancing the image and reputation of the
department, college, and university.
Mission
The philosophy department seeks to enrich and enliven the private,
professional, and public lives of students and the community through the
study of diverse philosophical methods and their use in critical inquiry
concerning the ultimate questions of reality, knowledge, and value.
Vision
The Philosophy Department will set a standard of excellence in teaching,
scholarship, and service to the University and the community. We will
develop students abilities to question and wonder as well as their
skills in analytical critical thinking, critical judgment, and
communication. We will foster a diverse community of philosophical
inquiry through the study of philosophy and its methods in different
historical periods and different philosophical traditions.
Value Statement
We value excellent, effective, and engaged teaching aimed at developing
rigorous analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and an
attitude of openness and objectivity. We value excellence in scholarly
activity, public discourse, and community service. We value
administrative service to the department, the college, and the university.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.