Graduate Studies Unit Level Strategic Plan

* Only list unit outcomes where applicable to a university related objective. 1-21-13Page 1

Unit: School of Graduate Studies and Research

Reporting Authority: Kevin Archer, Interim Dean

Date: November 4, 2013

  1. Please see the attached pages for the outcome assessments
  2. Summary
  3. Progress for the year: With the previous dean resigning after winter quarter, the dean (hired in May, 2013) and the associate dean (hired in October, 2013) have spent much of the year in assessment mode. However, progress was made regarding several key themes:
  4. Teaching and learning: Conducted a faculty survey and created a baseline template for program reviews.
  5. Inclusiveness and diversity: Created a diversity web page, which articulates the school’s commitment. We have established an opportunity for prospective minority students to explore graduate opportunities at Central Washington via a daylong visit. We have also laid the foundation for a town hall meeting to engage faculty, administrators and students in exploring meaningful ways to build a more inclusive community; support through student led organizations; and comprehensive funding and support for professional meetings and conferences.
  6. Scholarship and creative expression: A review was initiated of internal research funding possibilities.
  7. Public Service and Community Engagement: Created the graduate studies task force to ascertain the viability and need for an external graduate school committee.
  8. Resource development & stewardship: Reviewed budgets and contributed to program development in the political science department.
  9. Special themes for the coming year:
  10. A comprehensive marketing strategy that will target students who have taken the GRE.
  11. Automating and creating protocol for responding to potential-student inquiries.
  12. Building assessment strategies that will highlight programs competing at a national level.
  13. Revamping the faculty development awards to make them more competitive, comprehensive, and outcome based.
  14. Creating grant-writing trainings and inspiring more faculty to participate in grant proposals.
  15. Competitive graduate assistantships and a clear assessment strategy for awarding assistantships to programs.
  16. Competitive minority-based Fellowships.
  17. Exploring sponsors for new programs (including endowed chairs) and naming the graduate school; Foundation account created.
  18. Use of data
  19. An online survey was conducted in May, 2013 regarding the faculty’s priorities for the graduate school. From the data, we were able to perceive a need for better advertising and marketing, training resources for grant writing, more professional development funds for faculty, and overhauling the graduate assistantship program.
  20. We also surveyed peer institutions regarding operations of graduate studies and were able to change some procedures to match our peers.
  21. Updates to the 2013 plan. The previous plan was written during the first quarter of the previous dean’s tenure. Several changes are recommended. These will be highlighted in the following pages.

UNIVERSITY CORE THEME: 1. TEACHING AND LEARNING
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 1.1 Enhance student success by continually improving the curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Graduate School will determine quality and viability of graduate programs through regular program reviews. / Graduate School program reviews. / Improvement in enrollment, retention, diversity, discipline,accreditation standards, and external advisory committee reviews. / Graduate Studies (reported through the graduate council curriculum committee) / Align programs, policies and practices with standards outlined by Council of Graduate Schools. Conduct surveys of existing grad students. / Graduate Council work comprises part of a faculty member’s AY workload. GS Staff time. / Initial data will be gathered in spring 14.
Improve quality and consistency of all graduate programs; Sunset and/or re-tool faltering programs. / Job placement rates; completion rates, time to earn degree; Doctoral program acceptance rates. / 80% graduation rates / Graduate Studies / Work with Alumni Affairs to conduct longitudinal study of graduates to ascertain activities post-graduation / Data collection and analysis part of existing GS and Alumni Affairs budgets. / Initial data will be gathered in spring 14.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 1.2 Enhance the effectiveness of student support services.
Graduate Student Association created / Graduate student participation in GSA; Student government funds allocated to GSA / Consistent student participation / Student government and Graduate Studies / GS and graduate council members work with Student Affairs personnel / Create a graduate student association club in 2013. / First meeting scheduled for November 14, 2013
UNIVERSITY CORE THEME: 2. INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 2.1 Enhance the environment of inclusiveness for faculty, staff, and students
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
The GS and Graduate Council will hold workshops (in-person/online) about diversity and inclusion. / Appropriate faculty and student participation in workshop presentations. / Participation by all graduate coordinators and by as many graduate students as possible. / Graduate Studies / GS needs to apply to existing AGEP alliances. / Travel funds for conference participation if accepted to AGEP alliance. / Will seek graduate council approval in winter 2014.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 2.2 Increase faculty, staff, and student diversity by active programs of recruitment and retention for members of underrepresented groups.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
GS will become a member AGEP (NSF-funded diversity network for graduate students/professors from historically underrepresented populations) / Enrollment figures reflect increase in graduate student diversity; / Enrollment figures meet university targets re: diverse student body. / Enrollment management. / GS Dean identifies and works with various AGEP alliances to establish linkage with one of them. / GS staff time. / Creating baseline for 2013-2014.
Improve minority student satisfaction. / Program/graduation retention reflects improved retention of graduate students from historically underrepresented populations. / Retention figures meet university targets. / Graduate Studies (and also Enrollment Management/Office of Diversity and Inclusion). / Assess existing minority student satisfaction levels. / GS, Public Affairs staff time and graduate faculty time (for outreach and assessment activities). / Data collection in process.
The establishment of fellowships for minority students. / Increased enrollment of under-represented student groups. / Minority students apply for competitive assistantships. / Graduate Studies. / Two fellowships will be provided for minority students above and beyond existing levels. / Budget already exists (part of current GS/GA budget). / Initiated for 2014. Process being vetted through HR.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 2.3: Ensure that CWU has an inclusive and diverse curriculum
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Build a relationship with international partner universities and organizations. / Increased number of MOUs. / New relationships will be established by program. / Graduate Council; International University Partners / Encourage graduate programsto create diversity initiatives within their programs and courses. / Graduate School / Intend to initiate in AY 14/15.
* Only list unit outcomes where applicable to a university related objective.
UNIVERSITY CORE THEME: 3. SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 3.1 Increase the emphasis on and the opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in research, scholarship, and creative expression activities
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Strategic assessment of graduate research assistants / Increased number of research outputs. / Assignment of GAs are associated with research output. / College Deans / Overhaul GA program to align with CGS/peer institution benchmarks / Maintain current levels and re-assess efficacy / Conducted a survey of peer institutions to compare our stipend and student-to-award ratio.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 3.2 Increase the external funding received for research, scholarship, and creative expression by faculty, staff, and students.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Streamline faculty development and internal research grant process. / Increase the number of faculty applying for grants. / Raise number of faculty writing grants by 10% / Graduate School / Provide grant workshops and target faculty for specific grants. / Director of sponsored programs and research will oversee / Collection in process.
Strengthen the oversight of the Institutional Animal Care and User Committee / Increase compliance training tracking regarding the IACUC / 100% compliance / Graduate school; office of sponsored programs and research / Streamlined database of training. / Director of sponsored programs / Data collection in process.
Create a grant-writing procedures handbook / A handbook will be developed. / Handbook dispersed. / Graduate school; office of sponsored programs and research / Disseminate to all prospective grant writers. / Director of sponsored programs / in process.
* Only list unit outcomes where applicable to a university related objective.
UNIVERSITY CORE THEME: 4. PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 4.1 Enhance the commitment and the level of cooperation between the university and external communities.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Determine if Graduate Studies needs an external advisory committee / -- / -- / Graduate Studies / Survey various GS stakeholders / GS staff time / Completed assessment through faculty survey and the reviews by the Graduate Studies Task Force. No outside advisory committee is warranted at present, but new sponsors may serve in an advisory capacity to individual programs.
Graduate Studies will demonstrate public and professional service through active participation on local, regional or national organizations (e.g. CGS NCURA) / Type/level of participation in local/regional/national organizations / All GS staff should participate in some meeting annually / Graduate Studies / Attend regional/national CGS meetings / GS staff time Travel/Registration fees / Will begin involvement at the 2014 National Conference. Julie Guggino has been active in NCURA leadership.
Build a graduate school alumni network. / Financial gifts and online social networking. / Increased endowment. / Graduate studies; Foundation / Create an endowment for graduate studies. / GS staff time / In process
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 4.2 Increase participation in university sponsored life-long learning opportunities.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Create graduate-level certificate programs. / New certificates offered. / Create one new certificate program in AY 14/15. / Graduate Studies / Work with departments to elicit interest in certification programs. / GS staff time Graduate faculty time / Exploring feasibility.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 4.3 Enhance the efforts of members of the university community to strengthen the economic base of the region and state.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Create Professional Science Master’s degrees (note: creation of graduate programs must be done by the graduate faculty) / Faculty buy-in for the PSM; Willingness of faculty members to create new courses / At least one PSM in AY 15 (again, creating a PSM depends on many factors that are not controlled by Graduate Studies) / Graduate Studies / Colleges / In order for CWU to offer the PSM, the Colleges need to create new programs. / Graduate faculty time GS staff time College staff time. / In process.
Create graduate certificate programs that align with state workforce needs. / Willingness of faculty to create/teach in certificate programs / 1 certificate program in AY 15 (based on faculty willingness) / Graduate Studies / Colleges / Conduct needs assessment to determine the highest-demand program areas. / Graduate school staff time / In process.
CORE THEME: 5. RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & STEWARDSHIP
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 5.1 Maximize the financial resources to the University, and assure the efficient and effective operations of the University through financial stewardship.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Optimize balance of GAs with adjunct professors / A cost/benefit analysis (including levels of ambiguity) regarding GAs as teachers and lab assistants. / Optimized budget and classroom efficiency / Graduate school / Conduct a cost/benefit analysis / Graduate school staff. / In process.
GS will review application and continuous enrollment fees to determine if they are too low / GS fees increase or remain status quo / TBD / Graduate Studies / TBD / GS staff time BFA staff time Enrollment management staff time / In the process of determining the feasibility of raising application rates to stay in line with EWU and WWU.
Not viable. Remove from strategic plan.
GS will work with alumni affairs/development to establish scholarships/fellowships and infrastructure support for graduate education / Graduate scholarships/fellowships and infrastructure support funded / Identify a minimum of one new prospect per year. / Graduate Studies/Development/Alumni Affairs / Make the GS part of a CWU capital campaign. / Graduate School / Conversations initiated with Scott Wade in Fall 2013.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 5.2 Develop and implement enrollment management and marketing plans that meet the enrollment objectives of the university.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
GS will work with Enrollment Management to explore differential tuition for graduate studies. / GS charges differential tuition in AY 15; Enrollment numbers changes / Reasonably compare with peer institutions. / Enrollment Management / Determine tuition rate for each graduate program, advertise the rates, charge the rates / GS staff time EM staff time / Beginning feasibility studies.
GS will work with graduate programs to introduce 4+1 programs and programs that allow for dual-admissions (undergrad/graduate) / Number of graduate programs that submit program changes (Reflecting 4+1 or dual-admit) to Graduate Council Curriculum Committee Data which shows impact of marketing plan/tools / TBD / Graduate Studies / Work with graduate faculty to help develop 4+1/dual-admit programs / GS staff time Graduate faculty time / Conversations initiated with CEPS
GS has new marketing plan/tools / Increased enrollment that can be tied to marketing plan/tools / All GS staff and graduate coordinators participate in marketing/outreach / Enrollment Management / Marketing intern hired by GS to help create marketing plan/tools; Will work with graduate faculty (this is occurring in AY13) / GS staff time GS budget Graduate coordinators’ time (but that is part of their workload) / Conversations initiated with Diana Fishel-Hall. Conducted survey on focused groups and provided report.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 5.3 Ensure the University has human resources necessary to accomplish all university objectives.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
GS will complete required University HR training requirements / Memos from HR; Follow-up with GS staff by GS Dean / All GS staff comply / Graduate Studies Human Resources / Annual review of Position Descriptions / GS staff time / Initiated.
GS will be a re-organized unit / GS budget aligns with GS function/mission / TBD / Graduate Studies Human Resources / Annual creation of individual PDPs. / HR staff time / Created the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Two offices within the school have targeted foci. We will reassess this structure in two years.
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVE 5.4 Provide the facility and technology infrastructure and services appropriate to meet the university objectives, while maximizing sustainability and stewardship.
Unit Outcomes / Indicators / Expected Performance Level (Criterion) / Indicator/
Performance Level Reported By / Key Strategies/ Initiatives / Budget/
Resource Analysis / Outcome
Assessment
Optimized web page / Survey potential and current students / Ease of access / Graduate School / Redesign web page to better highlight programs, forms, and timelines. / GS Staff / Completed in October 2013
Automate initial contact with potential students. / Speed and utility of responses. / Respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. / Graduate School / Create an automated process that will track potential students, monitor their progress throughout the application process. / GS Staff / Will begin in February 2014.

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