Distinctiveness

 
CORE STRATEGY III  
 

To establish its distinctiveness and to differentiate from other institutions, the college will focus upon its experiential learning history, its location, and its niche. The institution’s history, location, and uniqueness will be a primary focus for determining and creating a quality, focused set of programs that will attract and retain students.

Priority Initiatives

  1. Distinctive Majors and Sports: Specific plans to deepen quality, potential expansion of enrollment, etc. (re: distinctive-to-mission/location/attractiveness programs and sports):  
    • School of Natural and Health Sciences
      • Wildlife Biology
      • Wildlife Rehabilitation
      • Pre-Veterinary Medicine
      • Exercise Science
      • Health Sciences
    • School of Business and Management
      • Tourism and Resort Management
      • Outdoor Recreation Management
      • Sport Management
    • School of Arts and Humanities
    • School of Education and Social Sciences
    • Athletics
      • Rock Climbing
      • Skiing and Snowboarding
      • Cycling

  2. Capital Budget Plan for Facilities and Equipment: Create short- and long-term plan for capital budget needs to renovate and build new facilities, and to purchase equipment for high enrollment programs:
    • Natural sciences laboratories–biology, chemisty, physics
    • Wildlife Rehabilitation–new facility and renovation of existing facilities
    • Step-wise housing plan for 1,000 student residential capacity


  3. Academic Calendar: Develop and implement a new year round academic calendar that includes experiential learning, summer programs, and interterm sessions.


  4. Honors Program: Develop and implement a new honors curriculum, including experiential, place-based learning, and a new academic affairs/enrollment management partnership for assuring quality. 
Distinctiveness KPI

Central to the success of the strategic plan is regular and recursive assessment, evaluation of the Priority Initiatives and their contributions to the Core Strategies, and the continued transparency of sharing this key information via the college's Factbook. To ensure accountability and optimization, each Priority Initiative will be measured against Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and analyzed for progress towards defined targets. 

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    High Impact Performance Metrics

    • Percent students in internships, field-based study, and experiential learning
    • Percent students engaged in undergraduate research
    • Percent students in study away and study abroad programs
    • Number and Percent students receiving support through support services
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    Enrollment Metrics

    • Percent students in internships, field-based study, and experiential learning
    • Percent students engaged in undergraduate research
    • Percent students in study away and study abroad programs
    • Number and Percent students receiving support through support services