Goal 1: Strong focused research programs that reward and encourage scholarship and creative activities.

The College of Public Health intends to be a leading authority in public health education, research, policy and practice in Florida, and in national and international arenas. The faculty embraces the responsibility for the generation of new knowledge needed to address the public health issues through focused research programs. The involvement of students at all levels of research and creative activity is deemed essential to the educational process. The organization of large Centers within the College is expected to centralize the critical mass of talent necessary to be competitive for large interdisciplinary projects and international activities.

Objectives

1.1 Provide research leadership.

1.2 Increase interdisciplinary research.125

1.3 Create a clear set of expectations related to research productivity.

1.4 Formally recognize research.

1.5 Foster collaborative international research.

1.6 Provide research.

1.7 Increase community-based research.

1.8 Expand pre-and post-award infrastructure to assist with grant preparation. 

Goal 2:  Continual improvement of academic programs and student centered learning.

The College will maintain and create high quality and diverse learning opportunities for students that not only allow for the meeting of public health competencies but also opportunities for experiencing academic citizenship. We will pursue the expansion of our distance learning program; the enhancement of our website to allow for better communication and involvement of all students; web-based course development; involvement of students with Centers; collaborations with the Health Sciences Center; and the use of various technologies to achieve our educational goals. There will be strong emphasis on recruiting outstanding and diverse students through existing and new degree and certificate programs. Finally, we will continue to aggressively pursue finding opportunities for research-oriented students so they can be successfully recruited and given the opportunity to learn and engage in stimulating, cross-cutting, scholarly research.

Objectives

2.1 Assure graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge in public health core and concentration areas.
2.2 Recruit a qualified and diverse student body.
2.3 Improve teaching skills.
2.4 Create opportunities for students to experience academic citizenship.
2.5 Expand the use of technology to reach both traditional and non-traditional students.
2.6 Expand the role of the College’s Centers in providing quality educational opportunities.
2.7 Improve the skills of the Public Health workforce.
2.8 Develop interdisciplinary learning opportunities, especially community-based efforts.
2.9 Increase interest in public health by undergraduate students.
2.10 Create a Public Health Practice advisory group to investigate College practice and academic initiatives.

The advancement of the mission, vision and values occurs in a nurturing environment. It is achieved through focused action represented by the objectives.

3.1 Share governance.

3.2 Create an environment where a diverse workforce and student body can thrive.

3.3 Recognize achievements of students, faculty and staff.

3.4 Promote collegiality as a central value.

3.5 Promote community engagement as an integral value.

3.6 Give emphasis to a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

Goal 4: A strong sustainable infrastructure.

The challenges of evolving public health practice must be driven by research and programmatic resources well beyond the capability of state support. Acquisition and maintenance of substantive regional, national and international leadership and capacity in public health demand strong, diversified, long-term external funding. This funding should be built through and upon a viable, faculty and student friendly infrastructure that nurtures and augments the development, acquisition, management and deployment of external research and programmatic funds.

Objectives

4.1 Increase charitable gifts.
4.2 Increase the number of grants and the amount of funding with special emphasis on full indirects.
4.3 Provide accurate, timely financial reports for decision-making.
4.4 Assure optimal and equitable use of resources.
4.5 Attract and retain a highly qualified and productive faculty.
4.6 Seek additional agreements with external agencies to partner in public health initiatives.

Goal 5:  Active service and meaningful community engagement.

University scholars work with the community to utilize scientific knowledge and professional experiences to achieve practical benefits that can both serve and engage the global community. We stand committed to ensure that all activities meet the highest ethical standards. In addition, the college’s reputation and effectiveness in improving public health is dependent on the involvement of its students and staff as partners in service activity efforts.

Objectives

5.1 Encourage faculty, students and staff to actively engage in service leadership.
5.2 Enhance our national image through service to professional societies and associations.
5.3 Increase continuing professional education activities to meet public health workforce needs.
5.4 Increase student involvement with the community.
5.5 Cultivate community access and participation in College activities.
5.6 Increase or expand participation with USF sponsored community collaborations.
5.7 Increase involvement of College Advisory Committee.
5.8 R-evaluate the role of the Florida Health Information Center.

1. Commitment to Public Health - In supporting our fundamental commitment to the principles of public health we value:

a. A population, culturally diverse approach to solving public health problems
b. The efficacy of prevention and health promotion
c. An ecological, systematic approach to public health
d. Development and participation in community partnerships
e. Service to underserved and vulnerable populations
f. The best quality and equity in all public health services

2. Discovery - In upholding our commitment to discovery we pledge to:

a. Be innovative in addressing public health problems

b. Use the highest ethical standards

c. Assure our discoveries are appropriately and widely disseminated

d. Appreciate the scholarly activities and contributions of others

e. Expect excellence

3. Collaboration - In participating in collaborative efforts we are:

a. Supportive of each other’s pursuits and disciplines
b. Sincere in our efforts and communication to develop partnerships
c. Willing to engage in positive collaborations to promote healthy communities

4. Collegiality - In promoting collegiality we strive to:

a. Assume personal responsibility for our relationships
b. Foster ethical and respectful relationships
c. Support effective relationships among the wide variety of public health disciplines and settings

5. Life long learning - Recognizing that life long learning is essential, we are committed to:

a. Foster an environment that encourages a continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills
b. Constantly improving educational methods and outreach to students and the public health workforce
c. Assure skills and knowledge learned are relevant to public health.