Research doctorates Programs in the United States. The Graduate School s academic plan was developed by the Graduate Education Planning Committee, an ad hoc committee, with input from the standing Graduate Council. Membership of both of these bodies includes graduate students. Both scholarship and teaching at the graduate level are crucial to the mission of most academic units. The health of UW graduate programs is also crucial to its Carnegie classification as a Research II University.
Graduate education is important to the university for other reasons as well.
These review committees revealed varying levels of faculty dissatisfaction. A 1997 faculty review of the Graduate School s structure even recommended eliminating the School as an administrative structure, leaving administrative tasks associated with the School to individual colleges and departments. Some of the dissatisfaction expressed in the sequence of reviews focused on leadership, and some reflected questioning of the Graduate School s purpose and whether it could lead graduate education, not just regulate it. The current administration has rejected discussions regarding dissolution of the Graduate School, and before the arrival of the NCA site visitation team will have named a permanent Dean of the Graduate School. A significant challenge for the Graduate School will be to redouble its focus on strengthening graduate education and graduate enrollments.