Learning 1: Assess, and improve where needed, student learning of critical knowledge and skills.

Based on our reading of the NWCCU accreditation report, Planning Council members expressed a desire to
bring this objective forward again. Assessment of learning outcomes is uneven across the university but
critical to our students' and the public's trust. In addition to assessment of learning outcomes in Core and
major education, the Council endorses a campus-wide assessment culture.

Discovery 2: Enhance infrastructure in support of research, discovery and creative activities.

As Planning Council discussed opportunities for additional research and creative success, the organization's
structure and infrastructure warranted attention. In particular, the Council is focused on increased
interdisciplinary collaborations (Integration 2), which may require the institution to think creatively about
assignment of credit, cost, and support.

Discovery 3: Expand the scale, breadth and quality of doctoral education.

As in years past, Planning Council elevates doctoral education as an important objective for the university to
pursue. While Montana State has made progress on doctoral enrollments, new programs, and awarding of
degrees, there remains a need to keep our eyes on this prize as an institution, aligning progress here with
related efforts in Learning (2), Discovery (3), and Integration (1).

Stewardship 1: Human Resources. Attract, develop and retain the best faculty and staff to achieve our MSU
mission.

Council members continue to see our faculty and staff as integral to all goals and objectives of the Strategic
Plan, so we have recommended this objective as a priority four years in a row. Although progress has been
made on faculty salaries and hiring, faculty and staff place continued emphasis on diversity, recruitment,
workload, compensation, and retention. As in years past, Council members express a strong commitment to
diversity as an underpinning of the "best faculty and staff" and note that a diverse faculty and staff will also
underpin progress on a more diverse student body (Access 2).

 

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