(Draft) Strategic Directions
Last Updated: October 6, 2005
Enhancing Academic Excellence and Scholarship
Several of the strategic directions described below relate to the broader theme of enhancing academic excellence. Enhancing academic excellence also depends upon careful planning and judicious allocation of resources to allow growth in targeted disciplines/areas; hiring and retaining outstanding faculty members; and continuing to recognize and reward excellence in teaching and scholarship (including the scholarship of teaching and learning). Achieving academic excellence requires a focus on student learning, and on the use of the assessment of student learning to drive improvement at the student, course, faculty, and curriculum levels.
Promoting the Success of All Students
While student success can be measured in many ways, high retention and graduation rates are global indicators of success. In the recent WASC accreditation process, California State University, Fresno was commended as a “national model for institutions interested in becoming generators of social mobility, economic development, and student success.” Continued improvement in student success, and especially in the success of the highly diverse, predominantly first-generation student body that we serve, is an important campus strategic direction.
Advancing Graduate Education
Advancing graduate education at the university means having this institution grow in its graduate programs, including growth at the doctoral level. Such advancement would bring about corresponding opportunities to improve the graduate experience, and achieve the excellence in graduate programs that leads to national and international recognition. Strategies for advancing graduate education will support a regional profile for professional development and scholarship on the campus and address the needs of the region for research expertise. While over the past five years, our faculty expanded external grant support from federal and state agencies and foundations in excess of $180 million, As we strive to reach Carnegie Research Intensive status, we will need to expand support for research and to focus upon the institutional infrastructure to assist faculty as they seek increased funding.
Developing our Faculty, Staff, and Managers
The university will educate all employees so that they understand the impact of the university’s goals on their work responsibilities. Employees will be encouraged to seek out the tools they need to help the university meet its goals, will be supported in learning how to use those tools. Employees will be encouraged to explore ways they can enhance the educational experience of our students, thereby becoming role models for our students of life-long learners.
Using Technology Effectively to Advance Learning, Research, and Service
Upon the completion of the various technology initiatives currently underway, the university will have in place a robust technology infrastructure. Becoming national leaders in the effective application of technology will require that we make appropriate use of the technology to transform the way we do our work through automation of repetitive tasks; enhanced communication; multiple and sophisticated representations of information, especially in teaching; and fostering active engagement of students in the learning process.
Engaging with the Region
The University will seek to utilize its resources to engage the region in order to create a healthier Valley; advance world class agriculture; transform the economy and create new businesses and jobs; educate our children; and treasure the arts and culture of the region. In addition the University will engage the region by making available resources through the Henry Madden Library, by running a Division One athletic program that seeks to gain national recognition for athletic and academic performance, and by offering a broad range of arts and cultural opportunities for citizens of the Valley.
Developing a Global Perspective
To enhance global understanding and international awareness California State University, Fresno encourages international students and academics to study, teach and conduct research on its campus and vigorously supports programs that provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in academic study abroad and international experiences.
Generating Private and External Support
As state funds comprise a smaller proportion of the university's budget, private support becomes the "margin of excellence" for educational programs. Fresno State has launched, as of July 1, 2005, the quiet phase of a comprehensive campaign. Organized under the themes detailed above in "Engaging with the Region," the campaign will seek investment in university programs by alumni, friends of the university, corporations, and private foundations.
