Skip to content
CAMPUS LIFE
ALUMNI
ATHLETICS
FOUNDATION

RESOURCES

SERVICES

PAGES

Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
Search Icon
SEARCH

Strategic Plan Summary

Strategic Plan 2021-2026

Southwest Minnesota State University Mission Statement

Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Our comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students' academic and practical professional development experiences in southwestern Minnesota to the wider world.

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.

SMSU Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan articulates six strategic priorities that will guide the University in pursuit of its Mission, Vision, and Values. As a first priority, and in all of its actions, SMSU will make central equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Strategic Plan is driven by this overarching commitment and by a consistent focus on student success and engagement.

Strategic Priorities

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

  2. Inspire academic success and discovery through innovative teaching, research, 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. 

  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.

  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.

  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.

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


Strategic Priority #1: Affirm and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Increase campus diversity; ensure inclusive learning, social, working, and living environments; and eliminate equity gaps.

  • Goal 1:  Eliminate gaps in student success and access to educational opportunities.
    • Objective 1.1: Implement Equity by Design initiative for course-level changes.
    • Objective 1.2: Support and strengthen current and new initiatives to enhance student success.
  • Goal 2:  Integrate recommendations for strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion into the strategic plan to ensure they receive priority and ongoing attention.
    • Objective 2.1: Review recommendations generated by the Equity 2030 group and the Diversity Committee for inclusion in the Strategic Plan.
    • Objective 2.2: Investigate and implement, as appropriate, City of Marshall Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
  • Goal 3:  Improve the campus climate related to diversity and inclusion. 
    • Objective 3.1: Develop faculty and staff leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Objective 3.2: Engage in discussions for implementing budgeting using an equity lens.
    • Objective 3.3: Hire a full-time Campus Diversity Officer.
    • Objective 3.4: Increase access to SMSU by identifying new opportunities to engage diverse prospective students and their families and welcome them as guests.
    • Objective 3.5: Ensure SMSU’s commitment to diversity is highlighted in University functions.
    • Objective 3.6: Campus functions should have diverse representation whenever possible (e.g. University committee appointments).
    • Objective 3.7: Ensure the campus is welcoming to, and inclusive of, international and domestic students.

Strategic Priority #2: Inspire academic success and discovery through innovative teaching, research, 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. 

  • Goal 1:  Foster inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning. 
    • Objective 1.1: Recognize and value the contributions of all academic programs.
    • Objective 1.2: Ensure that culturally responsive pedagogy is broadly supported and effectively implemented.
    • Objective 1.3: Enhance assessment to impact campus and programmatic decision-making in support of teaching and learning.
    • Objective 1.4: Provide professional development opportunities that support inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning.
    • Objective 1.5: Expand support for study abroad and increase the use of other high-impact practices on campus.  
    • Objective 1.6: Foster inclusive, high-quality online teaching and learning.
  • Goal 2:  Grow and sustain quality on-campus and distance learning degrees/certificates and graduate education.
    • Objective 2.1: Ensure the quality and integrity of teaching and learning in concurrent enrollment programs by incorporating College Now in program goals, objectives, student learning outcomes, annual reports, and 5-year self-study.
    • Objective 2.2: Develop a process for proposing, considering, and deciding which academic initiatives will move forward.
    • Objective 2.3: Ensure the same rigor and integrity of programs offered both on-campus and at a satellite location through assessment and program reviews.
    • Objective 2.4: Increase access to academic support services for online, distance education, and concurrent enrollment students.
  • Goal 3:  Increase student regional/national presentation and publication of research and creative works.   
    • Objective 3.1: Increase funding for student participation at conferences and events.
    • Objective 3.2: Recalibrate the SMSU Mentorship Program to include more student researchers. 
    • Objective 3.3: Create incentives and structures to encourage regional and national presentation and publication of faculty scholarship.
    • Objective 3.4: Support the various forms research and creative work may take.
    • Objective 3.5: Ensure faculty and student research and creative works are broadly publicized. 
  • Goal 4:  Encourage and support campus and inter-institutional scholarly and creative collaborations.  
    • Objective 4.1: Complete an inventory of current collaborations between SMSU and other institutions.
    • Objective 4.2: Seek appropriate collaborations that contribute to student research opportunities. 
    • Objective 4.3: Increase support for internal and external grant opportunities. 

Strategic 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. 

  • Goal 1:  Establish long-term partnerships with area, regional, and other employers to provide applied learning opportunities for SMSU students.
    • Objective 1.1: Ensure equitable access to applied learning opportunities.
    • Objective 1.2: With each campus-community partnership created, maximize opportunities in a variety of areas, including internships, service learning, volunteer service, community-based research, and cooperative learning.
    • Objective 1.3: Build long-term relationships with external partners.
    • Objective 1.4: Foster campus conversation and understanding regarding the social impact of community engagement.
  • Goal 2:  Identify and promote opportunities for students and the campus community to engage in social, entertainment, and service activities in the city of Marshall and surrounding area. Include opportunities for fully online and non-traditional students
    • Objective 2.1: Host community events on campus to build connections with area Chamber of Commerce.
    • Objective 2.2: Enhance communication to ensure awareness of events and engagement opportunities.
    • Objective 2.3: Increase student awareness of, and familiarity with, area businesses and services.
    • Objective 2.4: Foster conversation between SMSU and Marshall Area partners regarding opportunities to engage with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Goal 3:  Cultivate and build mutually beneficial relationships between potential donors and the University that reflect shared values and align financial support with educational priorities.
    • Objective 3.1: Develop and enhance partnerships to advance priorities of the comprehensive campaign—“Run Together, Imagine the Impact.”
    • Objective 3.2: Invite SMSU supporters to annual partnership showcase events and communicate with them about ongoing results of student-partner collaborations.
    • Objective 3.3: Seek input from SMSU supporters regarding new partnership opportunities for all students as well as unique opportunities for online and non-traditional students.
    • Objective 3.4: Foster conversation with SMSU Foundation regarding opportunities to engage with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Objective 3.5: Investigate partnership with YMCA to seek wellness grants and student internships.

Strategic 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.

  • Goal 1:  Provide an array of services to meet the diverse needs of students and strengthen the success of students of color, first generation students, and Pell-eligible students.
    • Objective 1.1: Address health and wellness needs by providing effective services in each area identified.
    • Objective 1.2: Address financial and institutional support needs by providing effective services in each area identified.
  • Goal 2:  Identify, support, and strengthen campus opportunities designed to foster student engagement with a focus given to students of color, first generation, and Pell-eligible students.
    • Objective 2.1: Residence Hall Programming
    • Objective 2.2: Center for Civic and Community Engagement
    • Objective 2.3: Intramurals
    • Objective 2.4: Center for International Education
    • Objective 2.5: Student Activities
    • Objective 2.6: Office of Diversity and Inclusion
    • Objective 2.7: Publicize student engagement opportunities and activities by maintaining an updated, comprehensive, and accessible activities calendar
    • Objective 2.8: Investigate use of SMSU Mentorship Program or other mechanisms to implement peer mentor positions in the First Year Seminar: Discover, Engage, Lead course sections.
    • Objective 2.9: Increase scope of Mustang Mentorship Program to include online and extended learning students and widen the geographical locations of alumni involved.
  • Goal 3:  Develop, support, and promote opportunities designed to develop student leadership.
    • Objective 3.1: Student Clubs and Organizations
    • Objective 3.2: Student Government 
    • Objective 3.3: Residence Life
    • Objective 3.4: Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Objective 3.5: Admissions
    • Objective 3.6: Public Safety
    • Objective 3.7: Student Mentoring
    • Objective 3.8: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Strategic 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.  

  • Goal 1:  Provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty.  
    • Objective 1.1: Engage in planning and action to ensure the safety and security of the SMSU campus.
    • Objective 1.2: Provide ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training.
    • Objective 1.3: Provide ongoing training to eliminate sexual assault, bullying, and other behaviors that undermine a respectful workplace.
    • Objective 1.4: Review employee exit interview process and develop exit interview questions for faculty and staff who identify as a Person of Color or self-identify as a member of a marginalized group, to strengthen our ability to support and maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all employees.
    • Objective 1.5: Develop and implement a plan to attract and retain employees of color and from underrepresented groups, including fixed-term and emergency hires.
    • Objective 1.6: If appropriate and tied to a specific initiative, investigate re-design of some campus spaces.
  • Goal 2:  Provide an innovative and accessible technological environment that supports University community success.  
    • Objective 2.1: Provide resources and training to support active learning (e.g. classrooms and professional development).
    • Objective 2.2: Improve technology to support hybrid learning environments (hy-flex, asynchronous).
    • Objective 2.3: Enhance programming available through the Center of Online Teaching and Learning and review staffing needs.
    • Objective 2.4: Increase and enhance physical and virtual collaboration spaces.
    • Objective 2.5: Increase accessibility of curriculum for all learners (captioning, screen readers, ADA, location/site, communication channels, course design and delivery).
    • Objective 2.6: If appropriate and tied to a specific initiative, investigate a move to become a “laptop campus.”
    • Objective 2.7: Evaluate the feasibility and utility of investing in software to enhance resume and interview skills.
  • Goal 3:  Emphasize the creation of an environment that supports inclusive lifelong learning processes across the University community. 
    • Objective 3.1: Provide professional development for faculty staff.
    • Objective 3.2: Promote through student events and programs (Undergraduate Research Conference, career planning).
    • Objective 3.3: Research incentives such as certificate programs, badges, or other.
    • Objective 3.4: Develop robust onboarding policies and practices.
    • Objective 3.5: Identify and develop learning pathways (Career, Academic, Mustang and GOLD College). 
  • Goal 4:  Promote student, faculty, and staff physical and psychological well-being and engagement.  
    • Objective 4.1: Strengthen and support health and wellness programming and facilities enhancement.
    • Objective 4.2: Promote participation in Employee Assistance Programs.
    • Objective 4.3: Conduct University climate and wellness surveys, to include focus groups.
    • Objective 4.4: Increase access to counseling support services for online, distance education, and concurrent enrollment students.
  • Goal 5:  Develop, implement and routinely review mechanisms and controls that support broad-based administrative and financial management planning.
    • Objective 5.1: Make best use of physical and financial resources that support the University’s mission.
    • Objective 5.2: Provide for sustainability.
    • Objective 5.3: Allocate resources to support equity and inclusion.
    • Objective 5.4: Ensure proper committee infrastructure representative of the University community.
    • Objective 5.5: Conduct regular review of campus policies to ensure equitability of a given policy.
    • Objective 5.6: Provide training and other development opportunities to enhance the skills and abilities of faculty and staff in leadership positions.

Strategic Priority #6: Increase enrollment and improve retention. Create and maintain academic and student affairs partnerships to increase and retain enrollment.

  • Goal 1:  Develop and strengthen joint ventures with two-year colleges to provide students with desirable degree-completion opportunities. 
    • Objective 1.1: Prioritize institutions within the Minnesota State system.
    • Objective 1.2: Reach out to institutions within regional states.
    • Objective 1.3: Reach out to international institutions.
  • Goal 2:  Appropriate resources for maintaining and strengthening both graduate and undergraduate academic partnerships to enhance enrollment.
    • Objective 2.1: Establish an advising group for Online Learning and Transfer Pathways programs to enhance access for diverse groups.
    • Objective 2.2: Consider establishing an Extended Learning advisory group to support current and new program offerings. 
  • Goal 3:  Assess effectiveness of academic partnerships to improve enrollment management initiatives (such as recruitment, retention, persistence rate, graduation rate) for both graduate and undergraduate programs. 
    • Objective 3.1: Clarify roles of those involved in initiatives (e.g. Deeann Griebel Student Success Center vs advisors vs Access Opportunity Success/Online Learning).
  • Goal 4:  Support and enhance current and new initiatives designed to increase student access, success, and retention.
    • Objective 4.1: Support and enhance established programs.
    • Objective 4.2: Identify a retention data team to guide collection and tracking of equity-gap data.
    • Objective 4.3: Increase access to SMSU through strategic partnerships with underrepresented and underserved populations (e.g. Adult Basic Education).
    • Objective 4.4: Investigate if new and current graduate programs could have dedicated seats for SMSU undergraduate students to serve as feeder programs (e.g. Athletic Training, Strength and Conditioning, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Accelerated Nursing B.S.N., other Education and Business programs).
    • Objective 4.5: Investigate the feasibility of a dual enrollment partnership with Minnesota West to allow registered SMSU students to complete the R.N. program while maintaining SMSU status.

Last Modified: 8/22/23 1:47 PM | Website Feedback