Leadership for the 21st Century
Priorities and Goals (2006-2011)
1. Establish Mississippi State University as a Premiere Institution for its Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Goal 1.1 - Strengthen the undergraduate educational experience
Strategies
1.1a - Ensure that academic units at all MSU campuses have strategic plans including specific measures of success and strategies to achieve them.
1.1b - Ensure uniform high standards of teaching and learning at all campuses, and in all methods of delivery including distance education.
1.1c - Provide state-of-the-art technology to assist teaching and learning.
1.1d - Support and strengthen the Honors Program; consider transition to an Honors College.
1.1e - Encourage and support the involvement of students in faculty scholarship, service learning, co-op experiences, and internships.
1.1f - Increase emphasis on international experiences and include more global perspectives within the curriculum.
Outcomes/Assessment
- All academic departments will have clear statements of what students should know and be able to do upon graduation, assess whether students attain the stated learning outcomes, and use the results of the assessments in a formal planning process/This will be assessed by evaluating the planning updates provided by the departments - through their deans - to the Office of Institutional Research.
- The number of online courses and the use of the web in traditional courses will increase/This will be assessed by counting the number of online courses offered and responses of enrolled students to survey questions about use of information technology in the classroom
- The number of students in the Honors program and the number of courses offered through the program will increase/This will be assessed by counting the number of students in the Honors Program and the number of Honors Courses offered each semester.
- The number of students who are coauthors on publications and conference papers will increase/This will be assessed using reports from department heads about scholarly accomplishments.
- The number of students studying abroad will increase/This will be assessed using reports from the International Services Office.
- Student satisfaction with instruction, support services, and university life at MSU will increase/This will be assessed using student evaluations of teaching and surveys of enrolled students.
Goal 1.2 - Cultivate a student body that is the best in the state and among the best in the nation
Strategies
1.2a - Recruit the most academically talented students in Mississippi and elsewhere as reflected in ACT scores and high school GPAs.
1.2b - Maintain our tradition as the people's university by ensuring access and support for all sectors of the population through mentoring programs and other intervening strategies to enhance the rate of success for academically at risk students.
1.2c - Aggressively pursue recruitment of National Merit/Achievement scholars.
1.2d - Increase the percent of minority students - especially African-Americans - within the total enrollment.
1.2e - Improve retention rates and achieve a six-year graduation rate of at least 65%.
1.2f - Encourage and assist students to compete for distinguished national recognition such as Truman, Rhodes, Goldwater Scholars, and others.
1.2g - Ensure adequate facilities and user-friendly support services for all students including those with disabilities, international students, and others with special needs.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The ability levels and indicators of student success for incoming first-time freshmen will increase/This will be assessed using measures of predicted success based on ACT scores and high school core GPA.
- The freshman to sophomore retention rate will exceed 85%/This will be assessed using procedures specified by the National Center for Education Statistics for calculating retention rates.
- The six-year graduation rate will exceed 65%/This will be assessed using procedures specified by the National Center for Education Statistics for calculating six-year graduation rates.
- The number of African-American and other minority students enrolled at MSU will increase. This will be assessed using Fall enrollment data supplied to the IHL offices.
- The number of awards won by students will increase/This will be assessed using reports from academic departments on student accomplishments.
Goal 1.3 - Increase total enrollment to 20,000 students by the Year 2011
Strategies
1.3a - Improve recruitment strategies to increase enrollment of new freshman, transfer and graduate students, and especially minority students.
1.3b - Increase scholarship funding for new students on an academic talent basis and on a need basis; use the recruitment of students to MSU as a major focus for scholarship allocation.
1.3c - Ensure that the diversity of programs and courses meet the needs and interests of students in the state of Mississippi and the mission of the university.
1.3d - Enhance engagement of community colleges by addressing articulation, 2+2 programs, and other mechanisms for the smooth and efficient transfer to MSU.
1.3e - Implement a tuition incentive plan by Fall '06 to adjust college funding consistent with yearly enrollment increases or decreases, and ensure that faculty numbers are commensurate with enrollments.
1.3f - Increase the ratio of enrolled students to admitted students.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Annual growth in freshmen, transfers, and graduate students will reach 4% over the next five years/This will be assessed using enrollment data supplied to IHL offices.
- Constituents will have positive perceptions of recruiting, marketing, and outreach efforts/This will be assessed using information about recruiting, marketing and outreach efforts obtained from new students, students who chose not to enroll at MSU, parents, high schools, community colleges, etc.
- The proportion of admitted first-time freshmen enrolling at MSU will exceed 60%/This will be assessed using admission and enrollment data.
2. Enhance Mississippi State's National Prominence in Research and Graduate Education
Goal 2.1 - Improve the university's research reputation
Strategies
2.1a - Increase the involvement of faculty and students in research.
2.1b - Enhance the number and quality of peer reviewed publications and juried creative works from faculty, students and staff.
2.1c - Promote participation and success of faculty and staff in seeking external competitive grants.
2.1d - Enhance the reputation of faculty by participation in national/international conferences, professional societies, and editorial boards.
2.1e - Further develop clusters of excellence to address defined disciplinary and/or multidisciplinary issues.
2.1f - Improve intellectual environment of the campus, and our national exposure, with more seminars, conferences, symposia and colloquia bringing outstanding scholars to campus.
2.1g - Fund the library commensurately with peer research institutions.
Outcomes/Assessments
- MSU will maintain high standards related to the credentials of newly hired faculty and faculty approved for promotion and tenure/This will be assessed based on an annual evaluation of the credentials of newly hired, tenured, and promoted faculty.
- The number of faculty receiving awards for research will increase/This will be assessed using information on faculty accomplishments reported by academic departments.
- The participation rate by faculty in externally funded research will increase from 63% in 2004 to 73% in 2010/This will be assessed using information on external research awards supplied by the Office of Sponsored Program Administration.
- The number of successful competitive Federal center and other large research grants (>$3.0 million per year) will increase from 2 in 2004 to 5 in 2010/This will be assessed using annual NSF research expenditure reports.
- The University will rank in the top 50 public research universities for research expenditures as reported by NSF by 2010/This will be assessed using annual NSF research expenditure reports.
- Science and Engineering research expenditures as reported by NSF will increase to $250 million by 2010/This will be assessed using annual NSF research expenditure reports.
- Federal awards excluding financial aid will increase to $160 million by 2010/This will be assessed using annual NSF research expenditure reports.
- Faculty will produce annually a total of 2,000 publications (refereed articles, books, and book chapters) and juried creative works (exhibits, recitals, etc.)/This will be assessed using information about faculty scholarship reported by academic departments.
- Faculty will produce annually a total of 1,000 articles listed in Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, or Arts and Humanities Citation Index/This will be assessed using information about faculty scholarship reported by academic departments.
- The library will attain membership in the Association of Research Libraries/This will be assessed based on attainment of ARL membership.
Goal 2.2 - Strengthen graduate education
Strategies
2.2a - Increase quality of graduate students and the number of doctoral degrees awarded.
2.2b - Improve recruitment of graduate students by offering nationally competitive stipends, special fellowships for gifted students, health benefits, innovative programs and curricula, etc.
2.2c - Increase the involvement of graduate students in externally funded research and increase the number of training grants.
2.2d - Implement an electronic application procedure for rapid response to applicants.
2.2e - Include graduate education in the evaluation of departments, centers, institutes and colleges and in the rewards structure for faculty.
2.2f - Increase numbers of African American, Hispanic and Native American graduate students.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Mississippi State University will increase the number of doctorates, Ph.D.s, and Ed.D.s awarded yearly from the present 85 to >150 by 2010/This will be assessed using graduation data provided to NCES and IHL.
- African American graduate students will increase from the present 15% to >20% by 2010/This will be assessed using enrollment data provided to NCES and IHL.
- The number of Federal training grants (NIH, NSF IGERT) will increase to 3 in 2010/This will be assessed using data from the Office of Sponsored Program Administration.
3. Promote Economic Development, Service Partnerships and Outreach
Goal 3.1 - Promote and enhance economic development partnerships and service partnerships with business and industry, government entities, communities, and educational institutions
Strategies
3.1a - Work directly and collectively with local, regional and state economic development organizations and trade associations to recruit high-wage and high-tech industry to Mississippi.
3.1b - Work toward the creation, retention and expansion of Mississippi businesses and industries to be competitive in the global market.
3.1c - Collaborate with primary and secondary schools throughout the state to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
3.1d - Increase extension/outreach programming in agriculture and forestry, business and industry, and community and government leadership.
3.1e - Assist secondary schools and community colleges together with local governments, business and industry, and other organizations in the design and implementation of workforce training and development programs.
3.1f - Enhance technology transfer and commercialization with university startup/spin-off and partner companies.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The number of companies locating in Mississippi will increase as a result of improved relationships with local and regional development organizations/This will be assessed by the number of companies locating in Mississippi and information about relationships with local and regional development organizations.
- The number of extension/outreach partnerships with communities and organizations will increase and result in improved public environments, quality of life, and economic growth/This will be assessed using data on the number of extension/outreach partnerships and information on the effects of these partnerships on public environments, quality of life, and economic growth.
- The number of new license agreements will average 10 a year and royalty income will increase by 15% a year/This will be assessed using data on license agreements and royalty income.
- The university will generate an additional 8 spin-off companies by 2010/This will be assessed by counting the number of spin-off companies created.
- The Research Park will attract high technology companies at a rate of 5 per year by 2010/This will be assessed by counting the number of high-technology companies locating in the Research Park each year.
Goal 3.2 - Enhance university outreach and engagement
Strategies
3.2a - Develop an interdisciplinary research and outreach emphasis serving the needs of Mississippians in areas such as healthy behaviors, early childhood education, youth development, community development, and economic development.
3.2b - Enhance and develop new technology-based consortia to share information resources statewide, regionally, and nationally, through University Libraries and other technology units.
3.2c - Adopt a global perspective in outreach and engagement by strengthening partnerships with other universities, research institutions, and industries world-wide.
3.2d - Increase emphasis on life-long learning, continuing education, and workforce training as a part of extension and outreach.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The university will create a comprehensive database that accurately and effectively documents the impact of outreach programs/To be assessed based on whether the database is useful.
- The engagement of university expertise in issues affecting the state will increase/This will be assessed using data from the comprehensive outreach database.
- Technology-based sharing of resources statewide, nationally, and globally by University Libraries and technology units will increase/This will be assessed using reports of information sharing by University Libraries and other technology units.
- The university will develop strategic partnerships with at least two universities internationally by 2010/This will be assessed by counting the number of strategic partnerships that are developed with other universities.
4. Establish Mississippi State University Faculty as Among the Best in the Nation
Goal 4.1 - Increase faculty salaries to a level that exceeds the Southern University Group (SUG) average
Strategies
4.1a - Position regular salary adjustments for faculty and staff among the highest priorities for university budgeting.
4.1b - Hire new faculty at competitive salaries.
4.1c - Retain high performing faculty members with merit salary adjustments and - when necessary - competitive counteroffers.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Faculty salaries for all ranks and all departments will exceed the average of the Southern Universities Group by 2011/This will be assessed using data from the SUG Faculty Salary Survey.
- Increase in the retention rate of top performing faculty members who receive offers from peer or better institutions/This will be assessed using data provided by the deans to the Office of Academic Affairs.
Goal 4.2 - Promote faculty excellence in the area of teaching and learning
Strategies
4.2a - Have more courses taught by tenure-track faculty.
4.2b - Hire faculty members from nationally ranked programs.
4.2c - Recognize and reward faculty members for outstanding teaching.
4.2d - Implement effective programs to help faculty improve their teaching and advising skills such as a Center for Teaching and Learning.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The proportion of tenure-track faculty in the classroom will reach 85%/This will be assessed using data supplied to the IHL offices.
- New faculty hires will come predominately from peer and peer-plus programs/This will be assessed using data collected when faculty members are initially hired.
- The number of faculty who are nominated for national, department, college, and university teaching and advising awards will increase/This will be assessed using departmental reports of faculty accomplishments.
- University support for teaching and learning will increase/This will be assessed using surveys of faculty members.
- Students' average ratings of the quality of instruction will increase/This will be assessed using information for the student evaluations of teaching.
Goal 4.3 - Achieve national prominence of our faculty for their research, creative activity, and engagement
Strategies
4.3a - Recruit and retain high quality faculty with nationally competitive start-up packages, and recognize excellence in research/scholarship in the rewards system.
4.3b - Establish a coordinated and comprehensive outreach and engagement system that will be recognized - and well understood - in the rewards system including promotion and tenure.
4.3c - Increase the number of endowed chairs and use these to attract exceptionally well-qualified faculty, generally with external searches.
4.3d - Provide faculty with the necessary infrastructure and professional development to reach the highest standards of research and scholarship.
Outcomes/Assessments
- MSU will have at least one member in either the National Academy of Science and/or Engineering and/or Medicine by 2011/This will be assessed based on a count of faculty who are members of the national Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
- The MSU promotion and tenure document will be modified to reflect the importance of the scholarship of engagement.
- The number of endowed chairs will increase from 10 to 50 by 2011/This will be assessed based on a count of the number of endowed chairs.
- MSU will have 40 fellows of professional societies by 2011/This will be assessed based on a count of Fellows of professional societies.
5. Ensure High-Quality Living, Learning, and Working Environments
Goal 5.1- Develop a comprehensive and sustainable facilities planning and management system that supports MSU as an attractive and well maintained campus
Strategies
5.1a - Effectively address infrastructure, building design, energy usage, landscaping, and deferred maintenance.
5.1b - Complete the merger of Physical Plant, Custodial Services, and Campus Landscape operations.
5.1c - Further review Planning and Construction with a focus on one position with overall responsibility for bringing projects in on time and within budget.
5.1d - Develop a realistic 10-year infrastructure improvement plan.
5.1e - Further develop a maintenance and landscaping plan that integrates sustainability and highlights MSU's expertise and heritage.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The strategies identified above will be implemented/This will be assessed based on an annual review of facilities operations to determine if strategies have been implemented.
- Students, faculty and staff will have more favorable perceptions of campus grounds and facilities/This will be assessed using surveys of student, faculty, and staff perceptions of campus grounds and facilities.
- The campus will be maintained and operated in a manner so as to optimize effectiveness and efficiency/This will be assessed through Campus Facilities measurements of resources used to maintain and operate the campus.
Goal 5.2 - Continue to enhance and expand the university technology infrastructure
Strategies
5.2a - Implement a wide area network infrastructure linking the campus, county Extension offices, and Research and Extension Centers.
5.2b - Expand capabilities and infrastructure to deliver extension/outreach programming and library resources and services via distance education and the Internet.
5.2c - Improve accessibility of web pages and web-based classes for persons with disabilities.
5.2d - Enhance and expand instructional and classroom technologies.
5.2e - Expand and enhance the campus voice, data, and video network, including network infrastructure, server systems, personal computers, and software.
5.2f - Increase security and disaster recovery capabilities.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The campus-wide network will be expanded/This will be assessed using data on the network infrastructure.
- The university and unit web sites will be improved/This will be assessed using evaluations of the quality of the university and unit web sites.
- The number of classrooms with technology support will increase/This will be assessed using a count of classrooms with technology support.
- The university will develop and implement improved security and disaster recovery plans/This will be assessed using information about whether those plans are developed and implemented.
Goal 5.3 - Enhance student housing and facilities supporting campus life
Strategies
5.3a - Reach the point that all on-campus student housing spaces are new or renovated providing student more privacy and better amenities that support academic and social needs.
5.3b - Renovate the Colvard Student Union to improve programs and services to students; to provide state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities for the campus and for students; and to provide additional space for student organizations.
5.3c - Enhance outdoor recreation and fitness facilities to include the expansion and improvement of outdoor playing fields and the construction of an outdoor swimming pool.
5.3d - Improve amphitheatre facilities to create a better outdoor entertainment venue.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Develop a long-term master plan for the renovation or new construction of all on-campus residence hall spaces by 2012 including the planned demolition of unrenovated residence halls/This will be assessed using information about whether the master plan has been developed.
- Produce an annual report of the number of new, renovated and unrenovated bed spaces on campus - consistent with the master plan/This will be assessed based on whether the annual report is produced.
- Student satisfaction with residence hall facilities, services and programs will increase/ This will be assessed using surveys of enrolled students in the residence halls.
- Continually assess through student and staff input the achievement of the Colvard Union design goals during the design process (March - December 2005)/This will be assessed using information on whether the assessment process is implemented.
- A concept, cost estimates, and fund raising campaign for an outdoor pool will be developed by 2006/This will be assessed using information on whether the concept, cost estimates, and fund-raising campaign have been developed.
- A condition assessment will be conducted by 2005, and an enhancement plan and cost estimates will be developed by 2006, for outdoor playing fields/This will be assessed based on whether the condition assessment is conducted and an improvement plan is developed.
Goal 5.4 - Continually review and improve programs to promote and protect the health and safety of university students
Strategies
5.4a - Improve education of students about alcohol use and abuse, drug use and abuse, obesity, nicotine use, sexually transmitted diseases, drowsy driving and other dangerous behaviors.
5.4b - Expand and enhance educational efforts related to safety and crime prevention.
5.4c - Improve security operations to enhance student and campus safety.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Student Affairs will appoint a Student Alcohol Abuse and Intervention Task Force to develop recommendations, including an assessment plan, by 2006/This will be assessed based on whether the Task Force is able to develop recommendations and an assessment plan.
- Student Affairs will appoint a Student Health and Nutrition Task Force to develop recommendations, including an assessment plan, by 2006/This will be assessed based on whether the Task Force is able to develop recommendations and an assessment plan.
- Student affairs will collect annually information on the number of education programs offered and the number of students attending those programs annually/This will be assessed using data on whether the information is collected.
- Student affairs will use alternate methods for delivering educational information to students (i.e., e-mails, web-based information, etc.) and assess the effectiveness of those delivery methods/This initiative will be assessed using data on whether the alternative delivery methods are used and their effectiveness.
- A student needs assessment regarding the perception and reality of campus safety will be conducted in 2006/This will be assessed based on data about whether the study is conducted.
Goal 5.5 - Develop an effective and efficient customer-focused system for providing services needed for the core university support functions
Strategies
5.5a - Move the Bookstore to a new facility and upgrade the quality of services.
5.5b - Upgrade the quality and presentation of food services, and finalize a meal plan for freshmen.
5.5c - Implement a new Master Calendar Scheduling program.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Institutional Research assessment of service areas and perception by faculty, staff and students. Faculty, staff, and students will hold positive perceptions of university service areas/This will be assessed using surveys of students, faculty, and staff.
- Unit assessments by service areas with faculty, staff and students. Service units will conduct their own assessments of faculty, staff, and student satisfaction with their services/This will be assessed using data on whether the service-area assessments are conducted.
Goal 5.6 - Create an efficient pedestrian campus that emphasizes walking and biking in the central district of campus
Strategies
5.6a - Implement a parking plan that reflects the campus master plan; hire a professional for the parking/transportation function; and move Special Event Parking into a new organizational structure.
5.6b - Improve transportation by expansion of the shuttle system time-specific routes; continue to work on long-term plan to move from University-only service, to University/Community service, to Transit Authority.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Parking and transportation services will assess and improve their services by collecting information from faculty, staff, and students/This will be assessed using information on whether the initiative is implemented.
6. Ensure Effective Human Resources and Management Systems
Goal 6.1 - Develop a comprehensive fiscal resource and budget system that efficiently manages the university fiscal resources
Strategies
6.1a -Upgrade student billing/accounting, including student MoneyMate card amenities.
6.1b - Upgrade and enhance annual financial report and develop a quarterly financial management report for Vice Presidents and President.
6.1c - Implement direct deposit for travel reimbursements, and achieve less than 1% travel voucher corrections.
6.1d - Increase the capitalization threshold for equipment and update exception list. Improve compliance with material management and sponsored projects property requirements.
6.1e - Continue to develop a Land Title Depository and GIS to support both land and infrastructure information.
6.1f - Move to an automated package tracking system for Receiving Station and continue to decrease surplus property to appropriate levels.
6.1g - Develop standard contracts to be available on MSU website for vendors.
Outcomes/Assessment
- All units will meet or exceed goals related to customer service, efficiency, and effectiveness/Goal attainment will be assessed through annual program reviews.
- Students, faculty, and staff will have positive perceptions of all units/This will be assessed through surveys of enrolled students, faculty, and staff.
Goal 6.2 - Develop an effective human resource system that improves organizational effectiveness and fosters professional growth and productivity of university employees
Strategies
6.2a - Ensure that staff salaries are competitive with market salaries
6.2b - Further develop and implement a performance-based evaluation system for staff.
6.2c - Continue to expand training and professional development for staff to emphasize service focus at all levels.
6.2d - Review, develop, and implement employee relations resources that support a positive work culture at the University.
6.2e - Analyze, modify, and implement compensation policies and pay structures consistent with the University's strategic objectives.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Faculty and staff will be satisfied with the performance and services offered by Human Resources Management/This will be assessed through surveys of faculty and staff.
Goal 6.3 - Ensure that the university is inclusive at all levels
Strategies
6.3a - Increase the proportion of minorities and women in EEOC categories in which they are under-represented and pursue goals outlined in the MSU Affirmative Action Plan.
6.3b - Implement an incentive plan within Academic Affairs for the hiring of African American Faculty members that provides 100% salary in year one, 75% in year two, and 50% in year three, with the department/college assuming salary responsibility thereafter.
6.3c - Develop a "grow our own" program to help increase faculty diversity by awarding doctoral fellowships to minority graduate students who are prospective faculty members.
6.3d - Expand and enhance employee education programs that promote diversity and provide employees with the skills to perform in a culturally diverse environment.
6.3e - Recognize and reward faculty and staff for contributions to diversity.
6.3f - Continue to develop business opportunities for externally provided services from women and minorities.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Increase in diversity among our faculty, staff, and those with whom we do business/This will be assessed by annual reports prepared by Institutional Research.
- The number of African American faculty members will grow from 34 to at least 45/This will be assessed by annual reports prepared by Institutional Research.
- Quarterly reports from HRM on changes in staffing levels by race, gender, and EEOC category/This will be assessed by whether the reports are prepared.
- Up to three doctoral fellowships are awarded annually to prospective faculty members/This will be assessed using annual reports from the graduate office.
7. Ensure Support for the University from Alumni, Friends, Faculty, Staff and the Public
Goal 7.1 - Increase private giving to the university
Strategies
7.1a - Increase total giving, including gifts and pledges from all sources, to exceed $60 million per year.
7.1b - Increase the university endowment to $300 million.
7.1c - Increase the endowment portion dedicated to scholarships to $100 million.
7.1d - Join with other IHL universities to advocate a partnership with state government to provide state matching funds for private gifts in support of endowed faculty positions.
7.1e - Complete a comprehensive major gifts campaign focusing on scholarships and fellowships, endowed faculty positions, new and renovated facilities, and other academic program enhancements, including library resources.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The rate of giving to MSU, costs of raising money, and size of the endowment will be comparable to that of peer institutions/This will be assessed using data supplied by CASE, CAE, NACUBO, etc.
- The campaign's success will achieve its stated goal of $400 million and all four of its sub-goals/This will be assessed by measuring progress against the goal and sub-goals.
Goal 7.2 - Increase understanding of the university's unique role in the state as a land-grant, research institution and heighten national visibility
Strategies
7.2a - Enhance external communications to support university priorities and help build greater statewide and national visibility for areas of strength.
7.2b - Undertake an integrated marketing effort to help move MSU toward the top tier in the U.S. New and World Report rankings.
7.2c - Ensure high quality and consistency in web sites across all campus units, and treat the university web site as a major portal for information about MSU.
7.2d - Exert maximum effort in the preparation of materials to be submitted to the National Research Council for the ranking of doctoral programs.
Outcomes/Assessment
- MSU will improve its ranking in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges"/This will be assessed using the MSU ranking in "America's Best Colleges."
- MSU's National Research Council (NRC) ranking will improve/This will be assessed using the National Research Council rankings.
Goal 7.3 - Improve and sustain relationships with alumni and friends
Strategies
7.3a - Ensure that every chapter of the MSU Alumni Association is active each year having elected officers and conducting at least one alumni event.
7.3b - Expand program of Alumni Network.
7.3c - Make greater use of advisory committees, conferences, symposia, distinguished lectures, and the like, to bring notable and influential individuals to campus.
Outcomes/Assessment
- MSU will develop and implement a system for tracking alumni events and functions/This will be assessed based on whether the system is developed and implemented.
- MSU will develop and implement a system for tracking Alumni Network activity (i.e., contacts, successes, etc.)/This will be assessed based on whether the system is developed and implemented.
- The number of conferences, distinguished lecturers, etc. at MSU will increase/This will be assessed by counting the number of events held on campus each year.
8. Promote Athletic Competitiveness in All Sports and the Academic Success of Student Athletes
Goal 8.1 - Ensure the academic success of student athletes
Strategies
8.1a - Achieve and maintain overall six-year graduation rates for student-athletes of at least 60 percent, and graduation rates in each sport of at least 50 percent.
8.1b - Be among the leaders in the Southeastern Conference in student-athletes named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in all sports combined.
Outcomes/Assessment
- Graduation rate statistics for athletes will meet or exceed target goals/This will be assessed using NCAA procedures for calculating graduation rates.
- The number of students named to SEC Academic Honor Roll will increase/This will be assessed by counting the number of student athletes named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Goal 8.2 - Compete and win in every sport in which the university participates and assure compliance with NCAA and conference rules
Strategies
8.2a - Win Southeastern Conference championships in all sports and be represented each year in post-season play in all sports.
8.2b - Win an NCAA championship.
8.2c - Ensure that all MSU personnel who are associated with the athletic program, or who work with our athletes, are informed of - and carefully follow - all NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
Outcomes/Assessment
- This will be assessed by win-loss record and number of championships won.
- No rules violations/Assessed by the absence of rules violation notices from NCAA and SEC conference.
Goal 8.3 - Enhance athletics facilities and funding
Strategies
8.3a - Construct an athletic academic center.
8.3b - Expand the football season ticket base to 42,000.
8.3c - Expand corporate support for football, and increase private contributions for athletics to $9.5 million a year.
8.3d - Create a football parking and gathering place west of Scott Field.
Outcomes/Assessment
- The new facilities identified in the strategies will be constructed/This will be assessed based on whether the facilities are constructed.
- The number of football tickets sold will increase and the contributions to MSU athletics will increase/This will be assessed based on football ticket sales and the amount of money raised by athletics.
Goal 8.4 - Ensure gender equity and minority equity in athletics programs
Strategies
8.4a - Ensure that all athletic teams and related groups have minority representation.
8.4b - Move the percentage of female athletes closer to the overall percentage of females in the student population.
8.4c - Hire more minorities as administrators and head coaches.
8.4d - Achieve and maintain comparable salaries and professional opportunities for female and male administrators and coaches as compared to the average of the Southeastern Conference institutions.
Outcomes/Assessment
- There will be an equitable number of women and minorities as athletes, administrators and coaches/This will be assessed by the number or women and minority athletes, administrators, and coaches.
- The salaries of administrators and coaches will be comparable to their counterparts at other SEC institutions/This will be assessed using data from the SUG administrative salary study and other salary studies conducted by the athletic department.