Strategic Planning Goals, 2000-2005
The Statement of Purpose serves to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all university activities. Integrally related to the Statement of Purpose are the strategic planning goals, which evolved from the broad-based strategic planning endeavors under the guidance of the Strategic Planning Commission. Listed below are the strategic planning goals and their rationale.
Goal 1. To organize all activities, including program design and delivery, evaluation and reward systems upon the principle of genuine concern for the education of students, their social and intellectual growth, and a demonstrated willingness of all personnel to become involved in that growth.
Rationale: Such a student-centered environment will promote recruitment and retention, improve graduation rates, and create a genuine community of learners.
Goal 2. To implement plans aggressively that will ensure a comprehensive enrollment model appropriate to our mission.
Rationale: Such a plan will include emphasis on admission standards, recruitment and marketing, retention and student services to ensure continuous growth.
Goal 3. To support select mission areas that will strengthen Columbus State University as a distinguished academic institution.
Rationale: The select mission areas are
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
- Regional Economic and Community Development
- International Education and Exchange
- Educator Preparation
The university will focus financial and intellectual resources on initiatives that will have a major influence on the development and growth of the region, especially those that emphasize collaboration and partnerships. These will enhance the unique image of the university, provide creative opportunities for students and serve as powerful recruitment tools for students and faculty.
Goal 4. To increase the visibility of the university in the community, region, state, nation and other countries.
Rationale: The university's activities, collaborative ventures and accomplishments need to be more visible in order to strengthen the university's competitive position in the recruitment of students and faculty. Such visibility enhancement will also increase awareness of the university's many contributions to the quality of life in the region.
Goal 5. To adopt new strategies to increase and strengthen the diversity of the university community - faculty, staff, and students.
Rationale: Exposure to various ethnic, racial and international cultures and belief systems enhances the collegiate experience and the understanding of the social and professional world. The university must be aggressive in its efforts to recruit and retain minorities and international faculty, staff and students. The university will accommodate those with special needs and those whose academic potential has not been fully realized.
Goal 6. To develop and implement a comprehensive master plan for the acquisition, use and maintenance of technology in instruction and university operations.
Rationale: A comprehensive technology plan is needed to provide direction in: resource allocations; expanding faculty and staff training in the use of technology; improving instruction; reaching new students; and making administrative processes more efficient and service-oriented
Goal 7. To maintain and enhance a well-designed, functional, and attractive campus to support the educational and administrative needs of the university.
Rationale: To be competitive and gain recognition, Columbus State University must provide a quality environment for a quality education by addressing: the classroom environment; work environment; adequate library incorporating technology; improvement and expansion of residence life; and an attractive, well designed and well maintained campus.
Goal 8. To increase funding sources in order to maintain and expand programs and services of the university, as well as to ensure professional development of all personnel.
Rationale: The goals and aspirations of the university cannot be fulfilled through tuition income and state appropriated funding alone; therefore, additional funding sources must be identified. The university must strengthen its ability to attract higher levels of public and private financial support.
Goal 9. To make an institutional commitment to action and accountability.
Rationale: The Strategic Planning Commission offers insights concerning Columbus State University's needs and responsibilities to its service area. The goals proposed should be developed into accomplishments to ensure continued academic growth.
