Strategic Plan Accomplishments Summary

Strategic Plan 2021-2026

SMSU Vision and Values:

SMSU aspires to be recognized throughout Minnesota and beyond for being an inclusive and student-centered university. We value:

1. Discovery through innovative teaching, research and other high-impact experiences.
2. Civic engagement and strategic partnerships.
3. Developing broadly educated and well-rounded leaders.

Accomplishments

Priority 1

Affirm and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Increase campus diversity, ensure inclusive learning, social, working, and living environments, and eliminate equity gaps

• Disaggregate and review equity gap data for all university gateway and all program-level courses
• Create Faculty Liaison for SI and establish/expand SI program (18 sections offered AY23)
• Redesign developmental courses (Math, EMLS, LEP 101)
• Increase enrollment in Mustang Pathway Program (nearly tripled over 3 years: 10-17-27)
• Provide trainings in IDI, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Inclusive Leadership
• Engage with Marshall DEI Commission
• Create Bias Incident Support and Advisory Team (BISA)
• Highlight ODI office and Women's/LGBTQ+ Center  on campus tour.
• Revise hiring practices to ensure DEI focus
• Create and integrate Land Acknowledgement Statement
• Create Equity Fellows Program
• Hire fulltime CDO
• Revise search process to enhance equity and increase diversity of candidates
• Provide student and employee mental health programming
• Provide Inclusive Leadership training
• Acquire donor funding for Deeann Griebel Student Success Center ($63K) and Mustang Pathway Program ($42K)
• Acquire donor funding for Equity and Opportunity Scholarships ($27K) and Mustang Pathway Program ($56K)

Priority 2

Inspire academic success and discovery through innovative teaching, research, and student support services, and other high-impact experiences. Foster high-quality teaching and learning and a campus culture that encourages, celebrates, and promotes undergraduate and graduate student and faculty research and creative work.

• Establish partnership with San Juan College (NM)
• Enhance academic success through Professional Development and Assessment Days
• Establish Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Committee
• Create Mustang Ovations Committee
• Convene strategic discussions with area business leaders.
• Establish North Star Mutual School of Business
• Address culturally responsive teaching effectiveness in faculty PDP/PDR
• Complete successful HLC Multi-location accreditation
• Approve Wiley partnership for online programs
• Establish funding and application process for undergraduate research
• Achieve initial accreditation for Exercise Science program
• Develop COLT to support instruction in all modalities
• Achieve initial accreditation for all BIS programs

Priority 3

Foster civic engagement and strategic partnerships. Develop deep, reciprocal, equitable, and sustained partnerships within our community and region that contribute to the public good, positively impact the environment, strengthen the local and regional economy, and enhance the education of our students.

• Establish WorldFest as new, annual SMSU-Marshall event
• Host networking luncheon for students and business leaders
• Host Holiday Social for campus and community
• Confirm major donor commitments to support campaign priorities (ie. Res Hal, student success, alumni association, scholarships)
• Communicate impact of funding to advance DEI goals
• Finalize partnership with North Star Mutual Insurance providing $3M for the School of Business
• Develop donor-supported student/business leader networking lunches
• Host Prairie Jam concert
• Host Donor Dinner to thank SMSU supporters

Priority 4

Support student engagement and leadership development. Offer holistic support services and opportunities for student engagement that contribute to the development of well-rounded leaders.

• Hire health navigator; partner with Avera clinic to provide services
• Hire new Coordinator of Accessibility Services as part of Student Success Center
• Collaborate with Marshall to fund and construct outdoor basketball court

Priority 5

Ensure Effective Institutional Operations and Community Well-being. Create a highly-supportive environment focused on the physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being of the University community.

• Provide programming for professional development of faculty and staff
• Host faculty and staff appreciation reception
• Fund fulltime CDO position and DEI training for faculty/staff.
• Lease Social Sciences building for occupancy by the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative and the Marshall Public Schools
• Relocate and redesign offices and classrooms with closing of Social Sciences building
• Enhance and expand classroom technology capabilities
• Renovate university pool and refinish PE gym floor
• Implement Quinncia (AI tool for resumes and mock interviews)
• Implement Alertus notification system
• Conduct campus Safety and Security audit
• Embed Crisis Advocate in Public Safety Office
• Install secure exterior door access in residence halls
• Complete planning for future phone systems that can support enhanced campus security services
• Establish MOU with mental health and crisis prevention providers
• Match leveraged funds to purchase over $1M in academic equipment
• Hold successful M4L Days to support campus programs

Priority 6

Increase enrollment and improve retention. Create and maintain academic and student affairs partnerships to increase and retain enrollment.

• Offer MBA to Slumberland Office Complex (Oakdale, MN)
• Establish partnership with San Juan College (NM)
• Implement and expand SUCCESS program for at-risk students
• Establish Nigerian MBA partnership