Department Mission Statement and Needs of Constituencies

The mission statement of the department was drafted by the Long Range Planning Committee and voted upon by the faculty at the Departmental Faculty Meeting on March 2, 1999. It is subject to continuous scrutiny and modification, depending on the needs of the constituencies and input from the constituencies. The Statement follows.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is to serve society through excellence in education, research, and public service. We provide for our students an education in electrical and computer engineering, and we aspire to instill in them the attitudes, values, and vision that will prepare them for lifetimes of continued learning and leadership in their chosen careers. Through scholarship the Department strives to generate new knowledge and technology for the benefit of the State of Illinois, the nation, and beyond.

The mission of the ECE Department continues a tradition of excellence in the above areas by honoring and continuously renewing our four interconnected commitments:

To students:

  • by fostering an environment that enables prospective engineers to pursue their goals in a program that is rigorous and challenging, open and supportive

  • by providing undergraduates with the broad education necessary for productive employment in the public or private sectors, or to pursue advanced degrees

  • by providing undergraduates with a deep understanding of both fundamentals and important current issues in electrical and computer engineering

  • by engaging graduate students with focused instruction and research opportunities in preparation for careers in industry, academe and public service

To faculty:

  • by providing human support and material resources needed for them to develop as dedicated scholars, devoted educators and innovative researchers so that they may enjoy long, fulfilling and challenging careers

  • by supporting a collegial environment rich with autonomy, teamwork, discourse and inquiry

To alumni:

  • by seeking to maintain productive ties with our students after graduation in order to enhance their opportunities for lifelong learning and leadership, as well as to benefit from their skills, knowledge and experience

To the State of Illinois:

  • by supporting the historic land-grant mission of the University

  • by working towards our ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for all

Needs of the Constituencies

It can be seen that the mission statement has a preamble followed by declarations of four interconnected commitments: to students, to faculty, to alumni, and to the State of Illinois. However, the needs of the industry, the public, and graduate programs are implied from the statements of commitments. Thus, the significant constituencies are students, faculty, alumni, industry, public, and graduate programs.