Under the 1893 land grant directives, Montana State University (MSU) was established to serve students of the region by establishing high-quality educational opportunities, providing excellent research facilities, and conducting outreach to the public constituents. Since that time, MSU has exceeded its mission to educate students, create knowledge and art, and serve communities by integrating learning, discovery, and engagement. Students at MSU are given the opportunity to earn advanced degrees and faculty engage in opportunities to engage in exciting, cutting-edge research. The intellectual culture at MSU is one that places a high value on innovation and scientific advancement, and to that end fosters a supportive and highly collaborative environment. MSU has earned the Carnegie Foundation classification of “high research.”  Research expenditures typically exceed $100 million per year.  In addition, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recently has recognized MSU for its dynamic and noteworthy “community engagement,” citing MSU’s excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices.  The recognition of MSU as one of 311 other colleges and universities similarly designated (out of 4,400 nationally), is based on MSU’s commitment to teaching that encourages volunteer service in communities and the spread of knowledge that benefits the public.  In 2018, Montana State University earned a spot on Forbes magazine’s annual list of “America’s Top Colleges,” which ranks universities based on factors important to students, such as finding success in a chosen field and winning scholarships.

MSU was the highest-ranked Montana institution on the list.  Also in 2018, the Center for World University Rankings ranked MSU 578th out of 18,000 universities worldwide, up from the 606th spot last year. When measured solely against other institutions nationally, MSU came in at 156th, up from 176th last year.  The ranking uses seven indicators: quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty, research output, quality publications, influence and citations.

 MSU provides excellent resources in terms of library offerings, appropriate office space and furnishings, communications infrastructure (e.g., computers, telephone and LAN lines; computer data storage and backup services) and necessary office equipment for all project personnel involved (e.g., access to laser printers, the internet, etc.), as well as access to office supplies and financial management and human resources assistance. 

 Special facilities that MSU also offers include a graphics and printing office that can be utilized at cost, access to WebEx, access to survey software, cost-based access to data analysts and statisticians, access to software and other training and professional development programs, and access to communications technology trouble-shooting.

 

Resources specific to this project include…