Current Initiatives
A balance of sustained effort and a nimble and adaptable approach are needed to maintain our momentum and to achieve our goals.
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Together, we have achieved remarkable progress since the launch of Inspiring the Future Makers in 2023. This momentum is the direct result of our collective hard work, resilience and shared commitment. Below are the current initiatives that are actively driving Inspiring the Future Makers.
A Lehigh for everyone.
Lehigh will be a place where everyone feels valued. The Lehigh experience must be welcoming, engaging and personal. For newcomers, the onboarding, orientation and mentoring programs will be welcoming and informative. We will review policies for equity and inclusiveness and provide resources for physical and mental wellness. We will continue promoting and developing a community committed to cultural diversity as an essential part of the learning environment.
A data-informed organization of the future.
As a data-informed organization of the future, we use technology and data to make Lehigh's systems more efficient, freeing our people to focus on the work that matters most. We set clear operational standards, pilot responsive service models, and let data and continuous feedback guide transparent, accountable decisions.
Advance research excellence and impact.
Lehigh will expand and enhance research facilities, increase support for the development of large grant proposals, and invest in faculty lines, postdocs, graduate students, and research staff. We will improve our ability to partner with key external stakeholders and increase support for faculty seeking external funding. We will continue to build on our interdisciplinary structure that supports high-paced, high-reward research and work towards doubling our research output within 10 years.
Enhance graduate and lifelong learning.
Lehigh will expand our graduate and professional offerings to be part of the lifelong learning experience. Lehigh will provide learning opportunities for alumni and for others who are seeking to gain new skills and credentials, and advance in their profession and life. We will transform Ph.D. education to be student-centered and provide specific training relevant to the full range of Ph.D. career pathways.
Enhance the shared Bethlehem experience.
Lehigh will expand our partnerships and community engagements throughout the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem’s South Side and the university's campus, enriching the community and expanding our impact. We will create opportunities for the community to come together and have shared experiences on and off our campus.
Lead in educational innovation.
Lehigh will pursue educational innovation grounded in evidence and centered on students — helping them transfer what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems that matter, personally and societally. To make innovation lasting, we will build an incubator: a supported, inspiring space where faculty and staff can design the programs and approaches that most advance student learning and thriving.
Redefine a deeply interdisciplinary education.
All Lehigh students will be able to participate in boldly interdisciplinary programs and access the educational opportunities available across the university. They will embrace their intellectual curiosity, explore diverse academic programs, and develop both the timely and timeless skills needed for long-term professional and personal success. We will expand inter-college programs for undergraduates.
Transform Mountaintop.
Lehigh will fully activate the 740-acre Mountaintop campus and transform it into a vital destination and resource for the Lehigh community and beyond. We will use Mountaintop as a location for big and messy work. We will explore the creation of a graduate student and postdoc village, spaces for corporate partnerships, inviting outdoor areas, retail and community event space.