About the College of Sciences

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences consists of almost approximately fifty faculty members working in three different departments: Biology, Geosciences, and Physical Sciences. We have approximately eight hundred undergraduate majors enrolled in diverse degree programs in the natural sciences. Our highly qualified faculty are committed to teaching and providing impactful, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities intended to enhance student success. In addition to outstanding laboratory facilities on campus, SUU’s location yields unique opportunities for outdoor field work. We offer personalized learning experiences, including undergraduate research opportunities, that help our students to successfully prepare for rewarding careers and professional programs.

Contact information, department information, and degree programs are listed in the current catalog at the following pages:

SUU's College of Sciences also serves as a resource for science and science education across our region, supporting campus entities such as the STEM Center for Teaching and Learning, Frehner Museum of Natural History, Ashcroft Astronomical Observatory, Cedar Mountain Science Center, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab, and a certified water lab.

College Mission

In an increasingly science-based world, we provide scientific education in learning environments that encourage exploration, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication; preparing students and the community to be scientifically literate citizens.

College Vision

We will be nationally and internationally recognized as forward-thinking leaders in experiential science education; inspiring generations of professional scientists, scientific educators, health professionals, advocates, and entrepreneurs who invigorate communities for the betterment of civil societies.

College Values

  1. Science is the experiential, process-oriented activity that advances our knowledge and understanding of the universe
  2. Diversity and inclusion of science practitioners
  3. Diversity of thought emphasizing ethics, scientific reasoning, and research methods
  4. Policies and practices that promote and advance data-driven decision making
  5. Faculty, students, and staff collaboratively engaged in scientific activities
  6. Collegiality and positive work environments, promoting intellectual discourse and engagement among diverse topic areas
  7. Mentor-mentee relationships that support student learning, from hypothesis development to experimental design and analysis to communication of outcomes
  8. Classroom environments that utilize high-impact practices, inspiring future generations of scientists
  9. Community engagement both within and outside the SUU campus, and using science to support the welfare of its stakeholder communities within and external to SUU.

College Strategic Plan 2017-2022

  • I. UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
    • A. Curricular Currency- Curricula will reflect current disciplinary standards
    • B. Pedagogy- faculty will utilize the most effective methodologies
    • C. Academic Excellence and Distinctiveness- Ensure high academic standards and rigor
    • D. Accreditation- Valued as a means of assuring quality programs
    • E. Resources- Our future needs will require additional resources and prudent management of existing ones
  • II. SUPPORTING STUDENTS
    • A. Engagement and Personal Growth- Shape students intellectually, support their personal growth and development
  • III. SUPPORTING FACULTY
    • A. Professional Activity- Faculty and staff will be active in their professions
    • B. Workload- Faculty workload issues will be monitored

Contact

Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences