1. Can we design a graduate program where solving pressing environmental problems, not building disciplinary identity, is the focus? Paul Bierman,Geology Greg Druschel, Geology Maggie Eppstein, Computer Science Donna Rizzo, Engineering Mary Watzin, Natural Resources Paul Bierman,Geology Greg Druschel, Geology Maggie Eppstein, Computer Science Donna Rizzo, Engineering Mary Watzin, Natural Resources What are the problems? UVM is a small research University (<10,000 students) with large aspirations but many small, discipline-based graduate programs that struggle for for critical mass. STEM faculty work on environmental problems, but are dispersed in discipline- focused departments. The environment is a focus area for UVM; yet, solving complex environmental problems requires skill sets and approaches broader than traditionally defined disciplines. What are the problems? UVM is a small research University (<10,000 students) with large aspirations but many small, discipline-based graduate programs that struggle for for critical mass. STEM faculty work on environmental problems, but are dispersed in discipline- focused departments. The environment is a focus area for UVM; yet, solving complex environmental problems requires skill sets and approaches broader than traditionally defined disciplines. What are the challenges ? Balancing depth with breadth so that students have sufficient disciplinary training to make important contributions. Helping students from diverse disciplines speak each other’s languages. How to get Deans to buy-in and allow creation process to move forward. Selection, affiliation, and RTP issues for new faculty hires. Who will faculty really answer to? Impacts on existing, discipline-based programs, specifically faculty and graduate recruiting issues. What are the challenges ? Balancing depth with breadth so that students have sufficient disciplinary training to make important contributions. Helping students from diverse disciplines speak each other’s languages. How to get Deans to buy-in and allow creation process to move forward. Selection, affiliation, and RTP issues for new faculty hires. Who will faculty really answer to? Impacts on existing, discipline-based programs, specifically faculty and graduate recruiting issues. What might the program look like? Focus on environmental problem solving using Earth Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Complex Systems, and Ecologic expertise. Not affiliated with any one unit. Answers to the Dean of the Graduate College. Grants both MS and Doctoral degrees in Earth and Environmental Systems. Identity built on shared space, graduate seminars, shared research approach, core sequence. What might the program look like? Focus on environmental problem solving using Earth Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Complex Systems, and Ecologic expertise. Not affiliated with any one unit. Answers to the Dean of the Graduate College. Grants both MS and Doctoral degrees in Earth and Environmental Systems. Identity built on shared space, graduate seminars, shared research approach, core sequence. What is our solution? Develop a department- and college-independent graduate program with a problem-based rather than discipline-based identity. Populate the program with research-intensive faculty dedicated to training students in applicable skill sets and working across disciplines in teams. What is our solution? Develop a department- and college-independent graduate program with a problem-based rather than discipline-based identity. Populate the program with research-intensive faculty dedicated to training students in applicable skill sets and working across disciplines in teams.