Vision

We aspire to produce and apply knowledge and to train graduates that make a difference in the wider society by enhancing our strength and visibility as a nationally and internationally recognized program distinguished by our excellence in cross-disciplinary scholarship blending science with public engagement.

Values & Operating Principles

• Faculty, staff and students are committed to recognizing and achieving the richness of a diverse Human Development and Family Studies Program
• We are committed to providing world-class undergraduate and graduate education for students that will prepare them to be successful leaders in academic, public policy and human services-related professions.
• We value both our undergraduate and our graduate programs and seek to have each enrich the other.
• We are committed to producing and publishing high-quality research in the most respected outlets in our fields.
• We are committed to extending high-quality research beyond the walls of the academy, beyond the borders of the state, and beyond the boundaries of the United States.
• We are open to and respectful of disciplines, theories, content areas and methodologies not our own.
• We recognize the importance and value of diverse empirical methods, and fully embrace both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis.
• We value our relationships with our colleagues, staff and students.
• We believe in the strength of cross-disciplinarity.
• We believe in a model of departmental citizenship where each person does his/her part to make the collective thrive.