For only the third time since its inception in 1985, an Assessment of Research Doctoral Programs is being undertaken by the National Research Council (NRC). The NRC study is considered by academics, higher education policy makers, and research foundations to be the most reliable and comprehensive measure of university doctoral programs in the United States.
UC Berkeley's standing in this study has both reflected and reinforced the premier reputation of our institution. The last review in 1995 assessed 41 fields at 274 public and private universities. Of our 36 programs studied, 35 of them were ranked in the top 10 in their fields in terms of faculty achievement. Moreover, Berkeley had the most programs ranked in the top 10 as well as the most programs termed "distinguished". All of us share a common commitment to reflect our excellence again in this national study.
As was announced to Deans, Department Chairs, and Chairs of Graduate Groups last November, the Graduate Division was charged by the Chancellor with leading the campus's response to the current assessment. A campus Working Group was formed and, as Berkeley's Institutional Coordinator for this study, I appointed as its chair our Associate Dean Andrew Szeri. Professor Szeri has been in contact with all departments and graduate groups to keep you informed of the process to date. An NRC Facilitator from each program participating in the study will now act as the primary liaison between program faculty and staff (and students, where applicable) and the campus Working Group.
Members of the UC Berkeley NRC Working Group are:
Andrew Szeri, Associate Dean, Graduate Division, Chair
Pamela Brown, Analytical Studies Coordinator, Office of Planning and Analysis
Joseph Cerny, Professor of Chemistry
Marc Goulden, Director of Data Initiatives, Office of Academic Affairs
Dennis Hengstler, Executive Director, Office of Planning and Analysis
Mary Ann Mason, Dean, Graduate Division
Robert Price, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Andrew Smith, Senior Data Analyst, Graduate Division
Judi Sui, Data Information Manager, Graduate Division
This website, along with email distributions, will help track ongoing developments as we continue our work this academic year. I thank you all for your contributions to this important campus effort.
— Mary Ann Mason
Dean of the Graduate Division
2000-2007