UMA Strategic Plan - Key Goal 1
| Key Goal 1: Enhance UMA's ability to grow as a regional baccalaureate institution and to continue to provide quality higher education in response to state and regional needs. | ||||
| 1. Provide and assess a rigorous, challenging and relevant outcomes-based core curriculum in all academic programs. | ||||
| Objective | Actions Required by: | Timeframe | Who's Accountable | Status Reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1.1 The current core curriculum is defined as the "core skills, competencies and abilities" in written communication, oral communication and quantitative reasoning necessary for students "to function…as effective and informed citizens." The core curriculum will be reviewed, revised and fully evaluated and strengthened as part of UMA's ongoing self-assessment activities. | Core/Gen. Ed. Committee, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Departments via program and core/gen. ed. outcomes assessment | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Academic Deans and Provost | History and Context for 1.1 and 1.2 |
| Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.1.1 | ||||
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.1.2 Academic writing will be fully integrated and consistently assessed throughout the curriculum. Every program will require students to pass a discipline-specific 2XX, 3XX, and 4XX course with a strong writing component in their major annually. | Colleges, and Departments via program and core outcomes assessment | Initiated: Fall 2008 Completed: Ongoing | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.1.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 2. Provide and assess rigorous, challenging and relevant outcomes-based general education requirements throughout the curriculum. | ||||
| 1.2.1 Current general education requirements, the basis for knowledge-based learning experiences in fine arts and humanities, mathematics, natural and computer sciences, and social sciences will be reviewed, revised and implemented. General Education requirements will be evaluated and strengthened regularly as part of UMA's on-going self-assessment activities. | Core/Gen. Ed. Committee, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Departments via program and core/gen.ed. outcomes assessment | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.2.1 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.2.2 Academic programs will include the application of theory to practice through comprehensive service learning components, capstone courses, community-based practica, independent studies, cooperative education and/or internships to prepare students to participate in lifelong learning. | Departments/Programs | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.2.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.2.3 Diversity will be fully integrated into the general education curriculum by fall 2011 and its effectiveness assessed annually thereafter. | Core/Gen. Ed. Committee, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Departments via program and core/gen.ed. outcomes assessments | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.2.3 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.2.4 The academic unit will develop and adopt campus-wide definitions of "computer literacy" and "information literacy," will establish levels of competencies, and will begin assessment of these competencies throughout the curriculum by fall 2011. | Core/Gen. Ed. Committee, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Departments via program and core/gen.ed. outcomes assessments | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.2.4 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.2.5 By fall 2011, the academic unit will adopt a campus-wide definition of "critical thinking skills" and establish levels of competencies and assessment measures. | Core/Gen. Ed. Committee, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Departments via program and core/gen.ed. outcomes assessments | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.2.5 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 3. Establish academic profiles consistent with a baccalaureate mission. | ||||
| 1.3.1 The University will increase its number of full-time tenure track faculty with appropriate terminal degrees. | Departments, Colleges and Academic Deans | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Provost and President's Staff | Recent History or Context for 1.3 |
| Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.3.1 | ||||
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.3.2 The University will hire new full-time faculty to improve the ratios between full-time faculty, adjunct faculty and students to be more consistent with the average at the other UMS campuses. | Departments and Colleges and Academic Deans | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Provost and President's Staff | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.3.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.3.3 The University will improve the ratio of baccalaureate to associate degree offerings by reducing its AA/AS degrees, and looking for opportunities to expand baccalaureate programs. | Departments and Colleges and Academic Deans | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Fall 2011 | Provost and President's Staff | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.3.3 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.3.4 The University will review and amend academic policies to ensure they are consistent with a baccalaureate mission. | Departments, Colleges, Faculty Senate, and Academic Deans | Initiated: Fall 2008 Completed: Fall 2009 | Provost and President's Staff | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.3.4 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.3.5 The University will review its policies and practices regarding such issues as faculty teaching loads, advising responsibilities and committee assignments. | Departments, Colleges and Faculty Senate | Initiated: Fall 2007 Completed: Fall 2009 | Academic Deans and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.3.5 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 4. Provide opportunities for students to learn and lead in an ever-changing world. | ||||
| 1.4.1 The University will collaborate with other institutions to offer graduate programs in the region. | Departments and Colleges of UMA, USM and UM | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Academic Deans and Provost | Recent History or Context for 1.4 |
| Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.4.1 | ||||
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.4.2 The University will collaborate with other institutions in the University of Maine System to implement the goals of the University of Maine System Strategic Plan. | All constituents of the UMA Community | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | President's Staff | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.4.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.4.3 The University will collaborate with institutions in the Maine Community College System to implement the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force regarding the Maine Higher Education Partnership. | All constituents of the UMA Community | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost's and President's Staffs | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.4.3 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.4.4 The University will expand its Capital Campus initiative with Maine state government throughout its academic and student services programs as demand for those services increases. | Provost's Staff | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.4.4 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.4.5 The University will expand opportunities for international studies and international exchange programs for faculty and students in cooperation with other institutions in the University of Maine System. | Departments and Academic Deans | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | President and Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.4.5 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 5. Increase UMA's level of involvement and effectiveness in teaching and supporting non residential students at a distance. | ||||
| 1.5.1 Under the leadership of the Dean of Libraries and Distance Learning, the Provost will renew and activate UMA's Distance Learning Council (DLC) as a collaborative central agent for positive change and expanded engagement in distance education at UMA. | Academic Deans Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning, and Faculty | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Recent History or Context for 1.5 and 1.6 |
| Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.1 | ||||
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.2 Working with the academic units, the DLC will coordinate all distance education planning, programming, scheduling, budgeting, specialized funding (grants) and related assessment. | Departments, Academic Deans, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.3 The DLC in collaboration with the academic colleges and the Faculty Senate will document and advocate for clear and effective standards for teaching with technology both in traditional classrooms and at a distance. | Departments, Colleges, Academic Deans, Faculty Senate, University College, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: 2010 | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.3 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.4 Based on constituents' needs and UMA's strengths, the DLC will assist the academic units in establishing priorities for the development of additional complete degree programs offered at a distance both within and beyond Maine's borders. | Departments, Colleges, Academic Deans, University College, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.4 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.5 The DLC will advocate for and support the development of hybrid courses and other innovative delivery options to offer greater educational access to distance learners. | Departments, Colleges, Academic Deans, University College, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2007 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.5 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.6 The DLC, in collaboration with the academic colleges, Program Coordinators and the Faculty Senate, will study best practices for teaching both with technology and at a distance and contribute to the scholarship of teaching both within UMA and at professional meetings elsewhere. | Departments, Colleges, Academic Deans, University College, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2009 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.6 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.7 The DLC will collect and make available data about DE resource requirements, teaching loads, demands on faculty. | Academic Deans, University College, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2009 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.7 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.8 The DLC will explore opportunities for partnering with external institutions to deliver innovative educational programs to the citizens of central Maine. | Academic Deans, University College, Faculty, and Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning | Initiated: Fall 2006 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.8 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.5.9 UMA will document and support the professional development requirements of faculty engaged in Distance Education and technology supported teaching, and will become a major contributor in the collaborative development of a Center for Teaching Excellence in Distance Learning as part of UM System Services. | Academic Deans, University College, Faculty, Dean of Libraries & Distance Learning, Director of Computer Services, and UMS | Initiated: Fall 2009 Completed: Ongoing | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.5.9 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 6. Optimize the use of technology to enhance the teaching/learning experience | ||||
| 1.6.1 The DLC will work with the faculty teaching at a distance as well as with students to identify and assess the most practical, cost-effective and useful teaching and learning technologies. | Dean of the Libraries & Distance Learning, Academic Deans, University College, Dean of Students, and Director of Computer Services | Initiated: Fall 2008 Completed: Fall 2009 | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.6.1 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.6.2 UMA, under the leadership of the DLC, will complete a study of retention rates both within classes and programs and make recommendations about adapting retention strategies to meet the needs of distant students. | Dean of the Libraries & Distance Learning, Academic Deans, University College, and Dean of Students | Initiated: Fall 2009 Completed: Fall 2010 | Provost | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.6.2 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||
| 1.6.3 The DLC in collaboration with the Technology Advisory Planning Committee and UMS's UNET and University College will plan for and support the instructional technology needs of UMA's faculty members and students. | Dean of the Libraries & Distance Learning, Academic Deans, Director of Computer Services, UC Senior Instructional Design Specialist, and UC Assoc. Director for Academic and Student Support Services | Initiated: Fall 2007 Completed: Ongoing | Provost and V.P. for Finance | Strategies and Benchmarks for 1.6.3 |
| Annual Reports FY '07 FY '08 FY '09 FY '10 FY '11 | ||||