CCAS Strategic Plan: Charting Our Future Together
A Moment of Opportunity
Through a collaborative effort with our broader community, the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (CCAS) has developed a strategic plan to guide our priorities and actions through 2030. In a time of transformation across higher education and society, our goal is to ensure CCAS remains a vibrant home for liberal arts and sciences education, innovation and public impact—right here in the heart of Washington, D.C.
This plan reflects our engagement with faculty, staff, students, alumni and others. It builds on GW’s institutional priorities and leverages our distinctive strengths as a college dedicated to critical inquiry, creativity, civic responsibility and interdisciplinarity.
Our Strategic Priorities
These priorities provide direction for bold, collaborative action across the college.
21st-Century Liberal Arts
Prepare students to think critically, adapt to evolving challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world through real-world learning and future-facing skill development.
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Advance a liberal arts education that cultivates curiosity and integrates experiential learning, interdisciplinary problem-solving, digital fluency and creative practice. Equip students with the analytical, ethical, expressive and communication skills—such as critical thinking, data literacy, digital engagement and artistic exploration—needed to navigate complexity and pursue purposeful, imaginative careers in a global, cross-cultural context.
Interdisciplinary Thinking in Action
Foster a culture of integrative scholarship that brings together diverse disciplines and perspectives to address society’s most pressing challenges.
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Encourage collaboration among the college community across the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences to co-create research, teaching and public engagement initiatives. Support interdisciplinary work that builds on disciplinary strength to produce innovative, actionable solutions to global and societal challenges.
Innovation Through Emerging Technologies
Harness the ethical, creative and interdisciplinary use of emerging technologies to accelerate discovery, enhance education and expand research impact.
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Leverage technology to transform research and teaching within and across disciplines. Support faculty and student innovation that applies technology to address global challenges, inform public policy and advance solutions with broad societal relevance—all grounded in a strong foundation of disciplinary excellence. Prepare students for a rapidly evolving world by enriching the learning experience through the use of digital tools, data-driven methods and emerging technologies.
Ideas into Action: Research for Public Good
Connect scholarship to society by addressing real-world challenges through public engagement, policy-relevant research and community collaboration.
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Champion research, scholarly and creative work by faculty and students that bridges academic inquiry and public impact. Capitalize on GW’s location in Washington, D.C., to forge partnerships with policymakers, government agencies, nonprofits and global organizations. Expand efforts like community-serving clinics and public-relevant scholarship to position CCAS as a hub for civic dialogue and actionable knowledge.
Building Community & Belonging
Strengthen connections within the CCAS community through shared purpose, inclusive leadership and meaningful engagement.
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Foster a resilient and welcoming academic community by creating opportunities for students, faculty and staff to build relationships, collaborate across differences and grow as citizen leaders. Strengthen the social fabric of the college through shared traditions, inclusive events and intentional spaces that encourage connection, celebration and cross-cultural exchange. Prioritize professional development, inclusive leadership pathways and civil discourse grounded in empathy, respect and global awareness, preparing individuals to thrive and lead in a diverse and evolving world.
From Planning to Action
Our work doesn’t end with defining strategic priorities—it begins there.
To bring our vision to life, we need clarity, collaboration and shared commitment. We’re committed to keeping this a living process—one shaped by the CCAS community. Throughout implementation, we intend to remain responsive and inclusive, with a focus on learning together and growing as a community.
Your feedback is essential as we work to enhance the student, faculty and staff experience and ensure that our strategic plan reflects our shared values, aspirations and potential.
Share Your Ideas
Send an email to ccstrategicplan
gwu [dot] edu (ccstrategicplan[at]gwu[dot]edu) with your feedback.