Faculty members strive to remain readily available to students for discussions of their classroom work and thesis research. Doctoral students participate in dissertation workshop seminars. Seminar lectures are regularly given by speakers from other universities and institutions. These seminars are frequently followed by social hours that provide opportunities for students, faculty, and visitors to become better acquainted outside the academic setting. Perhaps the greatest strength of the economics department is the energy and enthusiasm of the faculty.
Graduate students are generally impressed with the congenial, collegiate atmosphere that prevails.
This spirited environment has fostered excellence in both teaching and research. Faculty members contribute to scholarly literature and professional meetings on a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics. The early stages of this research are often presented by faculty members at departmental seminars in which graduate students and faculty are encouraged to participate. The department publishes a Working Paper Series, which provides a vehicle for disseminating economic research in its later stages. These publications are available to interested students.