Strategic Plan : Goals of the Strategic Plan

Goal 2 : Action Steps

As you view the action steps, you will observe icons next to each step which indicate progress.

Goal 2: Develop and implement processes, facilities, and support services to meet the needs of a diverse campus community.

2.1. Strategy 1: Develop administrative and support processes that are effective and efficient and available at times and in places that students are likely to access them.

2.1.1. Continue efforts to convert all admissions, financial aid, bursar, and registrar processes to fully online formats, to support ease of access for students. This will include review of academic policies that impact signature approval paths, and a cost/benefit analysis of not accepting VISA. This will not include the elimination of face-to-face services when they are most appropriate.
2.1.2. Review schedules of tutoring, library hours, media services, IT&I help desk, and other academic support functions to meet the needs of day and evening students. Expand where possible. Revisions will include new scheduling models and the potential for online/interactive support systems.
2.1.3. Develop and implement a plan to ensure classroom and faculty technology replacement and expansion to support a 21st century institution.
2.1.4. Ensure all faculty and staff serving student support functions have adequate training to provide accurate and helpful information.
2.1.5. Develop a means of gathering real-time and annual feedback on processes and operations, and integrate feedback into operational plans.

2.2. Strategy 2: Advance advising practices that are student-centered and specific to the needs of a diverse student population.

2.2.1. Provide training for faculty and staff in the different needs and expectations of traditional undergraduates, under-prepared students, first-generation students, adult degree-completers, veterans, and graduate students.
2.2.2. Develop online advising strategies/protocols that meet the needs of the busy schedules of all student types.
2.2.3. Adopt a co-advising strategy that partners faculty advisors* and the academic advisement center to ensure accuracy of information and maximum availability of support.
*This is the re-establishment of a faculty advising representative. It will involve some reassigned time.
2.2.4. Include advising tutorials about process, accessing information, and deadlines in the First Year courses.
2.2.5. Monitor the tools available to advisors to ensure they are effective, accurate, and up to date.

2.3. Strategy 3: Support career development from admission to post-graduate placements.

2.3.1. Develop and require an employment practicum course (career explorations, resume writing, cover letters) as part of a second year program.
2.3.2. Add internships to four-year plans to highlight their importance and drive students to advisors and/or career services.
2.3.3. Work with each major to identify and promote internal (WCSU) and external internship placements for their students.
2.3.4. Host career panels featuring alumni in every department at least once a year.
2.3.5. Expand and incentivize participation in leadership opportunities (HSLP, LCCC) and student organizations.

2.4. Strategy 4: Develop a student-centered plan for facilities and food service that meets the needs of a diverse community of learners.

2.4.1. Create informal spaces in all buildings that support student collaboration and meet the needs of a commuter environment.
2.4.2. Develop formal learning spaces that support diverse pedagogies.
2.4.3. Ensure easy to follow signage everywhere (doors, digital, apps) to assist with campus navigation.
2.4.4. Develop a plan for recreational spaces, including clubs, athletics, and other co-curricular activities based on student input and expectations.
2.4.5. Align food services with student time constraints and dietary preferences.

2.5. Strategy 5: Support faculty scholarly activity by strengthening and streamlining access to university-based resources and providing administrative assistance to apply for and manage external grants.