Syracuse University has once again earned a position in the top tier for research activity among all doctoral universities in the nation, according to the newly released Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Included among 120 R1 doctoral universities, Syracuse University continues to demonstrate a commitment to internationally recognized research and achievement of the goals set out in its academic strategic plan.
“The research enterprise is essential to Syracuse University’s aspiration to be recognized internationally as a student-focused and globally relevant center for discovery and innovation,” says Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly. “By continuing to focus on and invest in faculty, graduate and undergraduate research, we are attracting the best and the brightest to our campus, building research capabilities in key areas and advancing our academic strategic plan. I am grateful to all those who contributed in some way to securing our position on this most prestigious list.”
The R1 distinction is an indicator of “very high research activity” and is based on an examination of 2016-2017 data. Criteria for research activity includes such factors as research and development expenditures, research staff and number of doctoral conferrals. Syracuse University is one of only 34 private doctoral universities classified as R1.
Vice President for Research John Liu says the R1 distinction remains a critical affirmation of the University’s commitment to scholarship, creativity and innovation. “It acknowledges the impressive work that our faculty are already doing and inspires us to continue to build on the momentum by investing in new research activity and in our focus on the importance of relevant research in the hiring of faculty scholars.”
Stephen Masiclat, professor of new media management in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and chair of the Senate Research Committee, says the retention of the R1 classification is the result of a great deal of work done across the University.
“In the Faculty Senate Research Committee, we’ve seen the leadership of our Vice President of Research John Liu in new research initiatives like the CUSE Grants and the new post-doctoral hiring program. We’ve also seen eager participation in new efforts across the campus to enlarge the research enterprise—from the new undergraduate research office to the campuswide cluster hires in exciting new areas. Retaining our R1 ranking is great news, but it’s no surprise.”
Jamie Winders, professor and chair of geography in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the former chair of the Senate Research Committee, echoed Masiclat’s sentiment.
“Retaining R1 status is great for all parts of our campus, especially our students. We know that hands-on research opportunities have profound impacts on both graduate and undergraduate students. R1 status recognizes the centrality of the research mission to all that we do at Syracuse University, including our work with students,” says Winders.
The Carnegie Classification, created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and first published in 1973, is the widely accepted industry standard for classifying schools by higher education researchers and others. The U.S. Department of Education and many higher education associations use the classifications to organize data as well as determine a school’s eligibility for grant money. The classifications are also used by U.S. News & World Report in grouping institutions by type for its popular Best Colleges rankings guide.
For more information, visit the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education website.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit syracuse.edu.
