Professors must do research to keep expanding the theoretical base of engineering knowledge. We believe that professors are better teachers if they are themselves continually involved in research than if they teach only from what others have learned. This research is an essential part of the mission of the University of California. Because of the rapid pace of change in technology, all engineers must be committed to a lifetime of learning if they are to remain knowledgeable throughout their careers, and, as an engineer educated in a research university, you will have the ability to do so. Engineers face new challenges from our evolving society, with its continuing demand for improvement in the quality of life.
Technological improvement leads to economic growth.
The social and economic advantages of advancing technology have led many nations to develop very high levels of technological capabilities, and they now compete with the United States in worldwide markets. From an international perspective, such competition is healthy, but the future success of our country in this milieu indeed, the preservation of our quality of life requires your generation of engineers to have the ability to innovate, to meet new challenges and to operate in a global market. We therefore encourage our students to study or intern abroad. As graduates of a land-grant institution, you will be expected to use your engineering education to help maintain US technological leadership while improving technology for the benefit of all. The UC Davis Campus and the College of Engineering are committed to maintaining diversity in faculty, students, and staff.