Core Values and Principles

The College of Natural Resources provides critical science-based knowledge, technology and leadership that educates, supports and inspires our society. We value the integrity of the earth’s biodiversity, ecosystems and heritage. We play a leadership role in empowering present and future generations to make informed resource management decisions for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Our research, teaching and outreach programs are driven by the following principles:

Integration
Integrative and interdisciplinary instruction, research and outreach provide a deeper understanding of complex social, natural and ecological systems and issues.

Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration and partnerships leverage our resources and increase the visibility, relevance, impact and support of our programs.

Sustainability
Sustainable management achieves continuous economic well-being and natural systems protection in our society and in our organization.

Sound Science
We value the knowledge generated by scientific methods that examine natural resource issues as well as social and ecological processes to inform management decisions.

Diverse Perspectives and Knowledge
Diverse people and ideas enrich our understanding of the earth and of each other.

Outreach and Engagement
Community outreach and engagement influence our priorities and provide a process for applying new knowledge, technology and leadership to benefit society.

Fiscal Stewardship/Entrepreneurship
Responsible, transparent fiscal management facilitates the work of all programs.

Transformational Learning Experiences
Innovative, creative and stimulating learning opportunities deeply affect our students’ understanding of the world.

Warm, Welcoming and Supportive Environment
An atmosphere that is welcoming, supportive, trusting and exciting, with mutual respect among students, faculty and staff, helps all people and the college community achieve its full potential.

Natural Environment/Outdoor Experience
An integrated context for powerful learning results from our belief in the intrinsic value of the inherent qualities of the natural world.

Innovative Research, Technology and Leadership
Innovative and creative research, technology and leadership are a means to understanding systems and solving problems.

Professionalism/Professional Ethics
We are guided by high standards of land stewardship, professional ethics and mutual respect.