The Board of Trustees for Adams State University approved strategic initiatives outlined in ASU 2020, the university’s strategic plan for 2015-20, at a regular meeting held on campus December 18.
"This work is monumental. It’s one of the most concise of any strategic plan I’ve ever seen. I commend the university staff for the work and look forward to implementing the plan," said Board Chair Arnold Salazar. "The strategic plan guides both the university staff and trustees in decision making and resource allocation. New initiatives will be considered according to their support of a strategic goal."
Adams State President Beverlee J. McClure noted the document stemmed from a very inclusive process. "For example, we consulted community members from across valley to develop Goal 5." Faculty and staff participated in campus roundtables to develop the goals and propose initiatives; a separate subcommittee worked on each goal. McClure expressed thanks to Dr. Matt Nehring, professor of physics and chair of Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics, who volunteered to lead the strategic planning effort.
ASU 2020 details five goals the university will be working to achieve over the next five years. Each goal has a set of specific strategic initiatives and activities to further its attainment.
The goals of ASU 2020 are as follows:
Goal 1: Academic Excellence
Adams State University will provide challenging and responsive curricula that educate, serve, and inspire our diverse populations.
Goal 2: Student Success
Adams State University will address diverse student needs by offering varied learning opportunities and support services for all students to achieve educational, personal, and career successes.
Goal 3: Personal and Professional Development
Adams State University will provide educational and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.
Goal 4: Access & Affordability
Adams State University will develop innovative pricing and aid strategies that will maximize opportunities for our diverse and historically underserved students for all levels and delivery models.
Goal 5: Community Relations
Adams State University will collaborate with the community to provide culturally responsive and sustainable development opportunities that mutually benefit the campus and the San Luis Valley community.
The Board recently took action in support of Goals 1 and 4. At a special meeting Nov. 20, the board approved a new Guaranteed Tuition program for undergraduate students enrolled in on-campus classes. Beginning with the fall 2016 semester, students will experience no tuition increases for four academic years. This program supports Strategic Initiative 4.1: Develop strategies and incentives to improve persistence and completion.
"Our goals for this program are, first, to make college more affordable and allow students and their families to better plan for expenses," McClure explained. "Also, by guaranteeing tuition for four years, this encourages students to stay enrolled full-time and to complete their degrees within four years."
Also at its December 18 meeting, the board approved four new academic programs that fulfill Strategic Initiative 1.3: Strategically strengthen and expand the University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The new programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education – Licensure
- Masters of Arts Humanities Degree – Public Administration
- Doctorate in Education – Leadership
- Master of Arts – Applied Sport Psychology
The Board previously adopted the Core Purpose, Vision, Values, and Goals that guide the plan. ASU 2020.
Core Purpose
ASU’s core purpose is to educate, serve, and inspire our diverse populations in the pursuit of their lifelong dreams and ambitions.
Vision
To become the university community of choice for diverse and historically underserved groups and all who value quality education and inclusivity.
Values
- Opportunity and access for all
- Excellence in teaching and learning
- Growth through inclusion of diverse cultures and ideas
- A learning and civic community of trust, respect, and civility
- Caring and personal relationships
- Innovation, integrity, and ethical leadership
- Responsible stewardship
