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Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences announced its new academic strategic plan Tuesday, identifying its areas of strength and improvements for the next five years.

The plan, titled “Shaping the Future: Innovation, Engagement and Impact,” outlines Arts and Sciences’ long-term goals for students, faculty and academics. It outlines four new Arts and Sciences’ pillars — climate change and the environment; health and well-being; culture, community and change; as well as innovative technologies.

“This vision doesn’t focus only on the sciences or only on the humanities—it recognizes that urgent global challenges demand both,” Behzad Mortazavi, the dean of Arts and Sciences, wrote in a Tuesday email to Arts and Sciences students and faculty.

Arts and Sciences’ faculty members drafted it, and a team of alumni and academic and administrative leaders edited the plan as well as academic and administrative leaders.

The plan is designed specifically for the 2025-2030 academic years, highlighting the college’s investment priorities, including student success, the plan states. This focus aims to expand financial aid opportunities.

Another investment priority for Arts and Sciences is community partnerships and public engagement, according to the plan. This sector will involve developing writing and literacy programs such as writing groups for prisoners and senior citizens, with an end goal of “amplifying marginalized voices and honoring community knowledge.”

The full plan is available online with descriptions of each pillar.

“The next five years can be a turning point, demonstrating what becomes possible when the humanities and sciences work together as they must,” the plan reads.

Published on January 13, 2026 at 10:03 pm
Contact Vivian: vpcollin@syr.edu