Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2029)

Goal 1: Stabilize Enrollment

1. Each year, increase fall-to-fall enrollment from the 2023 enrollment baseline of 6,061.
2. Each year, improve the first-time freshman retention rate from our baseline measure of 69%.
3. Each year, increase 4-, 5-, and 6-year graduation rates from the baselines for the Fall 2017 cohort of 34%, 47%, and 51%, respectively.
4. Establish a tracking system to evaluate job placement and graduate and professional school acceptance across disciplines.

Goal 2: Create a Thriving Learning Community for Student Achievement

1. Ensure each campus unit defines and delivers services that reinforce student success.
2. Increase the number of experiential learning opportunities (e.g., hands-on projects, internships) across campus.
3. Provide support services that meet student needs.

Goal 3: Enhance Internal and External Collaboration and Communication

1. Develop and sustain partnerships with professionals and employers to ensure curricula remain relevant for the workforce.
2. Increase brand awareness by promoting student, staff, faculty, and alumni achievement.
3. Implement a comprehensive communication plan to educate employees on how funding is allocated to support the institution’s mission and operations.

Goal 4: Expand Support for Faculty and Staff

1. Explore opportunities to address faculty and staff pay and increase average compensation by 2029, subject to funding availability.
2. Seek additional funding for professional development.
3. Provide internal and external professional development opportunities tailored to faculty and staff needs.
4. Establish a structured onboarding process for all new faculty and staff.