3.1: Signature Programs
Increase our distinction by attracting the best students to our signature programs Other Information:
The quality of the faculty and graduate students are inextricably intertwined, and we must not overlook strengthening our
graduate programs if we are to realize our institutional aspirations. The best students seek universities that have an excellent
faculty and cutting-edge programs, and the best faculty are drawn to universities where they can work with the brightest and
most motivated students. In addition, graduate students play an important role in undergraduate teaching, as teaching assistants,
partners in independent research, and role models and personal mentors. Thus, increasing the vibrancy and vitality of our
graduate programs enhances the quality of all facets of our academic community. We have made strides in developing a rich
array of graduate programs. The quality of our programs, however, varies considerably. Moreover, our stipend levels have fallen
below the median of our peer institutions. As we move forward, we must continue our efforts to enhance graduate student diversity.
We must also redress the financial situation, raising stipend levels at least to median levels, doubling the number of James
B. Duke fellowship awards for incoming graduate students, and significantly increasing the number of summer research awards
in the humanities and social sciences. It will not be possible to enhance all programs simultaneously; thus, we must use a
strategic eye to build or create programs that take advantage of our strengths and leverage our differential advantages. For
our strategic academic initiatives to flourish, we must make targeted efforts to attract graduate students of exceptional
intellectual promise.
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