THE NEW GOLD STANDARD: DESIGN IMPERATIVES OF A NEW AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

DESIGN IMPERATIVE 2:
ASU MUST BECOME A FORCE, AND NOT ONLY A PLACE

Arizona State University must be more than a place—ASU must become a ubiquitous presence and a driving force—in local neighborhoods, in the metropolitan region, and statewide. ASU must become an integral part of the community, and a lifelong presence in the lives of its alumni, as well as the general citizenry. I take it as an article of faith that ASU must become a presence in our local schools, but I also expect ASU to become a force in our government, in our museums, in our cultural institutions, in our homes, and in our retirement communities.

In an era of increasing specialization, universities can no longer be places where students spend four years and then leave when they are done. There was a time when the baccalaureate degree was considered sufficient education for a lifetime. Today, however, we must focus on the continuing relevance of the university in the lives of those within its compass.

From Window Rock to Scottsdale to Central Phoenix to Guadalupe to Superior to Yuma, ASU must maintain a presence and relevance in the lives of all of Arizona’s diverse communities. Where necessary, ASU should attempt to improve the quality of life in communities across Arizona. Where appropriate, ASU will use its resources to assist the diverse communities of metropolitan Phoenix. Where possible, ASU should find ways to bring our learning environments to the people of Arizona.