Overview
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). IFAS is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible.
Mission
The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world's critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities.
Core Values
Grounded in the land-grant ideals of access, innovation and relevance, CALS promotes these core values in pursuit of its mission:
Integrity
Diversity
Collaboration
Service
Vision
Be the premier land-grant college of agriculture and related sciences
We will be known for excellence and innovation in teaching and for the readiness of our graduates for leadership. We will be the destination of choice for students seeking academic programs in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences and the pre-eminent source of talent for employers, graduate programs and professional schools.
2015-2020 Goals
Priority #1: Recruit and retain outstanding students
Goal 1: Enhance the quality of admitted graduate students through investment in recruiting
Goal 2: Enhance existing and develop new partnerships to broaden the recruiting base for undergraduate students
Priority #2: Provide relevant curricula
Goal 3: Develop a lower-division college-wide course on current issues in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences
Priority #3: Promote excellence in teaching
Goal 4: Invest in assistance for faculty in design/re-design of face-to-face courses to enhance student engagement and learning
Goal 5: Develop new mechanisms for recognizing excellence in teaching
Priority #4: Produce society-ready graduates
Goal 6: Increase student participation in experiential learning opportunities
Priority #5: Strengthen alumni and stakeholder connections
Goal 7: Create new opportunities for alumni and professionals to connect to CALS students.
