Previous Draft Language - Strategic Plan | Montana State University

The strategic plan process encourages feedback so draft language continues to change based on input from the MSU community. Below you'll find the initial draft language while current draft language can be found here. Please read on for a better understanding of how the strategic plan's Vision, Mission and Values have been shaped.

October 3, 2018

Vision, Mission, and Values

The Vision, Mission, and Values are the foundation of the strategic plan, defining why we do what we do, what we do, and how we do it. Together they describe Montana State University’s strategic direction.

VISION

Montana State University will transform lives and communities in the people’s interest.

MISSION

As the state’s land-grant university, Montana State integrates education, creation of knowledge and art, and service to communities.

VALUES

Excellence

We pursue exceptional outcomes.

Integrity

We commit to honesty, ethical behavior, and accountability.

Inclusion

We create a civil, supportive, and respectful environment where difference and diversity are sources of strength.

Collaboration

We believe that working together produces better outcomes.

Curiosity

We expect inquiry, exploration, creativity, and innovation.

Stewardship

We care for and conserve the human, economic, physical, and environmental resources entrusted to us.

Areas of Intentional Focus and Goals

The Areas of Intentional Focus are the most important places for Montana State University to focus in the next three to seven years to fulfill our mission and vision. They are not the only things we will do, but they are the areas that we need to prioritize at this time if we are to move in our strategic direction.

Goals lend further specificity by describing the specific outcomes we hope to achieve in each Intentional Focus.

Metrics and Actions

Metrics help us measure progress toward the goal, though they do not necessarily capture all of the aspirational or qualitative dimensions of a goal.

Actions define the concrete steps that must be taken at the institutional level, at a minimum, to be successful in each Goal.

Colleges, departments, and other units will develop and pursue tailored metrics and actions that contribute to Montana State University’s strategic direction. Actions prescribed at the University level should underpin and enable widespread effort across the University community and not preclude dispersed progress.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 1: Drive Transformational Learning Experiences Creating Outstanding Educational Outcomes for All Students

Montana State University students are challenged and changed by their active participation in high quality, innovative experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate level, becoming learned professionals and global citizens.

GOAL 1.1: Broaden access for under-represented populations and increase academic success for all students through excellence in undergraduate education.

As the state’s land-grant university, Montana State invites participation in exceptional higher education, widens participation of under-represented student populations, and improves student success outcomes overall.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Enrollment of students who are economically disadvantaged, first generation, veterans, adult learners, individuals with disabilities, and from underrepresented races and ethnicities will increase in each group’s share of the student body by two points by 2024.

2. Eighty percent of student financial need will be met by 2024, compared to the current 74%.

3. Montana State University will increase the number of 1-year and 2-year degrees and certificates awarded by 50% by 2024 (to 360).

4. Montana State University will increase the number of Dual Enrollment students by 40% by 2024 (to 700).

5. Montana State University will increase developmental education and co-requisite course completion rates to 75% by 2024.

6. Montana State University will increase retention (from 72% to 85%) and six-year graduation (from 48% to 60%) rates for all incoming Montana State students and will reduce disparities for students who are economically disadvantaged, first generation, veterans, adult learners, individuals with disabilities, and from underrepresented races and ethnicities by 2024.

GOAL 1.2: Expand high-quality graduate education

Montana State University will enroll and graduate more degree-seeking students at the graduate level and enhance the quality of graduate degree programs.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will enhance its graduate education portfolio with appropriate balance across programs including the social sciences, humanities, and arts by 2024.

2. Montana State University will match up to 20 additional externally funded graduate research assistantships with institutionally supported and competitively awarded graduate research assistant appointments, aligned with Grand Challenge areas, annually by 2020.

3. Montana State University will increase the number of research doctoral degrees (to 90 from 66), professional practice doctorates (to 30 from 25), and Master’s degrees (to 650 from 566) awarded annually by 2024.

4. All graduate degree programs will undergo systematic review and, if appropriate, redesign to ensure that they are appropriately structured to meet the diverse career paths of today's students by 2022.

GOAL 1.3: Implement evidence-based high quality, high impact teaching and learning practices for every student

Montana State University improves the curricular and co-curricular experience with demonstrated educational practices integrated with discovery and engagement that enhance learning and develop engaged global citizens and informed professionals.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Each student at the undergraduate level will engage in at least one sustained curricular or co-curricular high quality, high impact practice^[i], demonstrated to positively affect educational or personal development, each year, by 2022.

2. The university will demonstrate that all graduating seniors have achieved Core learning outcomes^[ii]and career competencies^[iii]by 2024.

3. All undergraduate students will use e-portfolios for sustained reflection on curricular, co-curricular and dynamic learning by 2024.

4. At least 70% of undergraduate students will demonstrate sustained campus and community engagement by annually participating in one significant student engagement activity or leadership role, and attending 20 or more university events annually by 2020.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 2: Improve Lives and Society through Research, Creativity, and Scholarship

Montana State University faculty, staff, and students are known nationally and internationally for discovering, applying, testing, and sharing knowledge and creative works that expand understanding and positively impact lives and society.

GOAL 2.1: Enhance the significance and impact of scholarship

Montana State University research and creative activity demonstrates impact on the state’s and the world’s pressing challenges through application of our discoveries in communities, industry, and organizations, as well as through academic indicators of the expansion of knowledge.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will foster four Grand Challenges of Montana responsive to regional and global needs:

· Caring for our environment: environmental science, design, engineering, architecture and social structure

· Promoting wellness in our communities: access and equity in education and health outcomes, community-based participatory research, biomedical sciences and entrepreneurship

· Food and fuel security: sustainable food systems, precision agriculture, energy production, transmission and storage

· Securing the future of Montana: cybersecurity, photonics and optics, defense, governance and public policy

2. Montana State University will define external outcome measures that reflect success in the Grand Challenge areas, e.g. changes in relevant state-wide indicators, by 2020, and will monitor these for demonstrated research-related improvement by 2024.

3. Montana State University will enhance education of undergraduates and graduate students through increased participation in research, creative, and entrepreneurial activities by 10% by 2022.

GOAL 2.2: Expand interdisciplinary scholarship

Montana State University’s interdisciplinary expertise as the University of the Yellowstone™ carries unique possibilities for inference, translation, and impact. Our research and creative activity throughout the university increasingly spans traditional disciplinary boundaries to solve the world’s pressing challenges.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will secure at least one new interdisciplinary training grant or center grant for each Grand Challenge area by 2024.

2. Montana State University will increase the grant expenditures associated with principal investigators in multiple academic units by 25% by 2022.

3. Montana State University will increase the number of scholarly products that are authored or created by faculty from two or more academic units by 10% each year.

4. Montana State University will review current core facilities and develop sustainable models for shared, interdisciplinary core services by 2022.

GOAL 2.3: Strengthen institutional reputation in scholarship

Montana State University’s success in scholarship results in increased state, national, and international prominence.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will annually increase scholarship standing when compared to peer institutions.

2. Montana State University faculty will be recognized as regional and national leaders in Grand Challenge areas by 2024.

3. Montana State University will demonstrate improved institutional reputation through the increased size of faculty applicant pools, increased diversity of applicant pools, and increased ratio of offers accepted to offers made.

4. Montana State University will increase the number of faculty with membership among national academies, professional society fellows, and state/federal/international advisory committees.

5. Montana State University will increase the number of faculty and students who receive national and international awards, honors, and prestigious scholarships.

6. Montana State University will establish a baseline by 2020 and increase its number of international projects and collaborations in education, research, creativity, and scholarship by 10% by 2024.

GOAL 2.4: Elevate expectations for scholarship

Montana State University faculty, staff, and students hold themselves to the highest standards of research and creative outcomes.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Colleges, departments, and centers will set goals and document progress in their annual research reports by 2020.

2. Montana State University will have annual contract and grant expenditures exceeding $200 million spanning all units by 2024.

3. Publications, presentations of creative works, translational research and creative activity, and other evidence of dissemination of scholarship will meet or exceed peer benchmarks by 2024.

4. Montana State University will increase the number of research faculty, research staff, post-docs, and graduate students funded on external contracts and grants by 2022.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 3: Expand Mutually Beneficial and Responsive Engagement for the Advancement of Montana

Montana State University students, faculty and staff work together and with partners across the state and around the world to enhance the well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities.

GOAL 3.1: Increase mutually beneficial collaborations with Tribal nations and partners

Montana State University works cooperatively with Tribal governments, colleges, community groups, and Indigenous students to develop and achieve outcomes that benefit all.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will build and maintain an inventory of current partnerships with Tribal partners, and their mutually-defined intended outcomes, by 2020.

2. Montana State University will work closely with partners to develop a plan to improve and increase Tribal partnerships with mutually-defined outcomes by 25% by 2024.

3. Montana State University will enhance partnerships with Montana Tribal colleges to increase the number of graduates who enroll at MSU by 2024.

4. Montana State University will break ground on the American Indian Student Center by 2020.

GOAL 3.2: Grow mutually beneficial partnerships across Montana

Montana State University and its partners attain collaboratively defined outcomes that improve the lives and livelihoods of Montanans.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will build and maintain an inventory of current partnerships with state and local government, education, business and industry, and non-profit organizations, and their mutually defined intended outcomes, by 2020.

2. Montana State University will develop a plan to improve and increase responsive partnerships with mutually-defined outcomes by 25% by 2024.

3. Montana State University will develop and/or strengthen structures for Montana stakeholders to contribute to the research and engagement agenda of the university by 2020.

4. New workforce and academic degree programs will be tailored to demonstrated state and regional needs with attention to national trends.

GOAL 3.3: Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and individual growth

Montana State University and its students, faculty, and staff engage in a reciprocal relationship that values each member and improves the university environment.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Montana State University will increase the number of collaborative grant applications and awards with principal investigators across curricular, co-curricular, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, Extension, and other units.

2. Montana State University will increase the number of student-centered collaborations between curricular and co-curricular units.

3. Montana State University will increase the average faculty and staff salary to the representative peer market average by 2024.

4. Montana State University will increase faculty and staff participation in health and wellness, personal, management, and professional development opportunities.

5. Measures of satisfaction with the campus climate of inclusion will demonstrate improvement by 2024.

6. Montana State University will make and annually monitor progress on the 2017 MSU Diversity & Inclusion Framework.

7. Montana State University will develop a comprehensive sustainability plan by 2020 with measurement and annual progress reports to campus.

^[i]High quality high impact practices include first year seminars and experiences, common intellectual experiences, learning communities, writing-intensive courses, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, global learning experiences, diversity experiences, service learning, community-engaged projects, internships and co-op experiences, capstone courses and projects (AAC&U).

^[ii]The learning outcomes for Core 2.0 are:

Demonstrate critical thinking abilities; Prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation; Demonstrate analytical, critical, and creative thinking in written communication; Demonstrate themselves to be reflective writers; Show willingness to take risks in new writing situations; Collaborate with other writers; Demonstrate ability to read rhetorical situations; Demonstrate control of situation-appropriate conventions of writing; Integrate source material in their writing; Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, diagrams or tables; Represent mathematical information numerically, symbolically and visually; Employ quantitative methods in symbolic systems such as, arithmetic, algebra, or geometry to solve problems; An analytical and critical understanding of diversity within societies, nations, and cultures; Knowledge of a language other than English and the culture(s) that speak(s) that language; An analytical and critical understanding of particular, traditionally marginalized, or less frequently studied societies, nations, and/or cultures and an understanding of cultural difference in relation to those societies, nations, and/or cultures; Explain how science contributes to analyzing complex problems in the contemporary world; Describe the scientific method, the kinds of questions asked by scientists and the methods used to explore those questions; Demonstrate critical thinking, writing and oral communication skills; Work effectively in small groups; Understanding of disciplinary methods, including the kinds of questions asked in the discipline and the methods that practitioners use to explore those questions; Demonstrate critical thinking skills within the field; Demonstrate communication skills; Locate relevant information from broad and diverse sources; Apply critical and creative thinking to synthesize information; Produce a scholarly product based on both existing information and student effort (e.g., analysis, synthesis, design, etc.); Demonstrate the ability to successfully collaborate as a member of a team (when applicable); Demonstrate an understanding of the responsible conduct of research. (Core 2.0 General Curricular Requirements)

^[iii] NACE describes career competencies:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.

Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.

Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.

Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

September 17, 2018

Vision, Mission and Values

The Vision, Mission and Values are the foundation of the strategic plan, defining why we do what we do, what we do and how we do it. Together they describe Montana State University’s strategic direction.

VISION

Transforming lives and communities in the people’s interest

MISSION

As the state’s land-grant university, Montana State integrates education, creation of knowledge and art and service to communities.

VALUES

Excellence

We pursue exceptional outcomes.

Integrity

We commit to honesty, ethical behavior and accountability.

Inclusion

We create a civil, supportive and respectful environment where difference and diversity are sources of strength.

Collaboration

We believe that working together produces better outcomes.

Curiosity

We expect inquiry, exploration, creativity and innovation.

Stewardship

We care for and conserve the human, economic, physical and environmental resources entrusted to us.

Areas of Intentional Focus and Goals

The Areas of Intentional Focus are the most important places for the University to focus in the next three to seven years to fulfill our mission and vision. They are not the only things MSU will do, but they are the areas that we need to prioritize at this time if we are to move in our strategic direction.

Goals lend further specificity by describing the specific outcomes we hope to achieve in each Intentional Focus.

Metrics and Actions

Metrics help us measure progress toward the goal, though they do not necessarily capture all of the aspirational or qualitative dimensions of a goal.

Actions define the concrete steps that must be taken at the institutional level, at a minimum, to be successful in each Goal.

Colleges, departments and other units will develop and pursue tailored metrics and actions that contribute to the University’s strategic direction. Actions prescribed at the University level should underpin and enable widespread effort across the University community and not preclude dispersed progress.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 1: Drive Transformational Learning Experiences Creating Exceptional Educational Outcomes for All

GOAL 1.1: Broaden access for under-represented populations and increase academic success for all students through excellence in undergraduate education.

As the state’s land-grant university, MSU invites participation of Montanans in exceptional higher education, widens participation of under-represented student populations and improves indicators of student success outcomes overall.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Enrollment of students who are economically disadvantaged, first generation, veterans, adult learners, individuals with disabilities and from underrepresented races and ethnicities will increase in each group’s share of the student body by two points by 2024.

2. Eighty percent of student financial need will be met by 2024, compared to the current 74%.

3. MSU will increase the number of 1-year and 2-year degrees and certificates awarded by 50% by 2024.

4. MSU will increase the number of Dual Enrollment students by 40% by 2024.

5. MSU will increase developmental education and co-requisite course completion rates by 10% by 2024.

6. MSU will increase retention (from 72% to 85%) and six-year graduation (from 48% to 60%) rates for all incoming MSU students and will reduce disparities for students who are economically disadvantaged, first generation, veterans, adult learners, individuals with disabilities and from underrepresented races and ethnicities by 2024.

GOAL 1.2: Expand high-quality graduate education

MSU will enroll and graduate more degree-seeking students at the graduate level and enhance the quality of graduate degree programs.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will create a more balanced graduate education portfolio with programs in the social sciences, humanities and arts by 2024.

2. MSU will match up to 20 additional externally funded graduate research assistantships with institutionally supported and competitively awarded GRA appointments, aligned with Grand Challenge areas, annually by 2020.

3. MSU will increase the number of research doctoral degrees (to 90 from 66), professional practice doctorates (to 30 from 25), and Master’s degrees (to 650 from 566) awarded annually by 2024.

GOAL 1.3: Implement established high quality, high impact teaching and learning practices for every student

MSU improves the curricular and co-curricular experience with demonstrated educational practices integrated with discovery and engagement that enhance learning and develop engaged global citizens and informed professionals.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Each student at the undergraduate level will engage in at least one sustained curricular or co-curricular high quality, high impact practice, demonstrated to positively affect educational or personal development, each year, by 2022.

2. The university will demonstrate that all graduating seniors have achieved Core learning outcomes and career competencies by 2024.

3. All MSU undergraduates will use e-portfolios for sustained reflection on curricular, co-curricular and dynamic learning by 2024.

4. At least 70% of undergraduates will demonstrate sustained campus and community engagement by annually participating in one significant student engagement activity or leadership role and attending 20 or more university events annually by 2020.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 2: Improve Lives and Society through Research, Creativity, and Scholarship

Montana State University faculty, staff, and students are known for discovering, applying, testing and sharing knowledge and creative works that expand understanding and positively impact lives and society.

GOAL 2.1: Enhance the significance and impact of scholarship

MSU research and creative activity demonstrates impact on Montana’s and the world’s pressing challenges through application of our discoveries in communities, industry and organizations, as well as through academic indicators of the expansion of knowledge.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will foster four Grand Challenges of Montana responsive to regional and global needs:

· Caring for our natural and built environment: environmental science, design, engineering, architecture and society

· Caring for our communities: One Medicine, mental health and brain research, access and equity in education and health outcomes, community-based participatory research

· Feeding the world: sustainable food systems, precision agriculture

· Securing Montana’s future: cybersecurity, photonics and optics, defense and energy

2. MSU will define external outcome measures that reflect success in the Grand Challenge areas, e.g. changes in relevant state-wide indicators, by 2020, and will monitor these for demonstrated research-related improvement by 2024.

3. MSU will enhance education of undergraduates and graduate students through increased participation in research, creative and entrepreneurial activities by 10% by 2022.

GOAL 2.2: Expand interdisciplinary scholarship

MSU research and creative activity increasingly spans traditional disciplinary boundaries to solve the world’s pressing challenges. Our interdisciplinary expertise as the University of the Yellowstone™ carries unique possibilities for inference, translation and impact.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will secure at least one new interdisciplinary training grant or center grant for each Grand Challenge area by 2024.

2. MSU will increase the grant expenditures associated with PIs in multiple academic units by 25% by 2022.

3. MSU will increase the number of scholarly products that are authored or created by faculty from two or more academic units by 10% each year.

4. MSU will increase the number of faculty who have multi-unit appointments or affiliations from 150 to 250 by 2024.

GOAL 2.3: Strengthen institutional reputation in scholarship

MSU’s success in scholarship results in increased state, national and international prominence.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will annually increase scholarship standing when compared to peer institutions.

2. MSU faculty will be recognized as regional and national leaders in Grand Challenge areas by 2024.

3. MSU will demonstrate improved institutional reputation through the increased size of faculty applicant pools, increased diversity of applicant pools and increased ratio of offers accepted to offers made.

4. MSU will increase the number of faculty with membership among national academies, professional society fellows and state/federal/international advisory committees.

5. More MSU faculty and students will receive national and international awards, honors and prestigious scholarships.

6. MSU will increase its number of international projects and collaborations by 10% by 2024.

GOAL 2.4: Elevate expectations for scholarship

MSU faculty, staff and students hold themselves to the highest standards of research and creative productivity.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. Colleges, departments and centers will set goals and document progress in their annual research reports by 2020.

2. MSU will have annual contract and grant expenditures exceeding $200 million spanning all units by 2024.

3. Publications, presentations of creative works, translational research and creative activity and other evidence of dissemination of scholarship will meet or exceed peer benchmarks by 2024.

4. MSU will increase the number of research faculty, research staff, post-docs and graduate students funded on external contracts and grants by 2022.

INTENTIONAL FOCUS 3: Expand Mutually Beneficial and Responsive Engagement for the Advancement of Montana

Montana State University students, faculty and staff work together and with partners across Montana and around the world to enhance the well-being of individuals, organizations and communities.

GOAL 3.1: Increase mutually beneficial collaborations with Tribal nations and partners

MSU works cooperatively with Tribal governments, colleges, community groups and Native students to develop and achieve outcomes that benefit all.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will inventory current partnerships with Tribal partners, and their mutually-defined intended outcomes, by 2020.

2. MSU will work closely with partners to develop a plan to improve and increase Tribal partnerships with mutually-defined outcomes by 25% by 2024.

3. MSU will enhance partnerships with Montana Tribal colleges to increase the number of graduates who enroll at MSU by 2024.

4. MSU will break ground on the American Indian Student Center by 2020.

GOAL 3.2: Grow mutually beneficial partnerships across Montana

MSU and its partners attain collaboratively defined outcomes that improve the lives and livelihoods of Montanans.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will document current partnerships with state and local government, education, business and industry and non-profit organizations, and their mutually defined intended outcomes, by 2020.

2. MSU will develop a plan to improve and increase responsive partnerships with mutually-defined outcomes by 25% by 2024.

3. MSU will develop and/or strengthen structures for Montana stakeholders to contribute to the research and engagement agenda of the university by 2020.

4. New workforce and academic degree programs will be tailored to demonstrated state and regional needs with attention to national trends.

GOAL 3.3: Foster a University culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and individual growth

The university and its students, faculty and staff engage in a reciprocal relationship that values each member and improves the university environment.

METRICS and ACTIONS

1. MSU will increase the number of collaborative grant applications and awards with PIs across curricular, co-curricular, Extension and other units.

2. MSU will increase the number of student-centered collaborations between curricular and co-curricular units.

3. MSU will increase the average faculty and staff salary to the representative peer market average by 2024.

4. MSU will increase faculty and staff participation in health and wellness, personal, management and professional development opportunities.

5. Measures of satisfaction with the campus climate of inclusion will demonstrate improvement by 2024.

6. MSU will make and annually monitor progress on the 2017 MSU Diversity & Inclusion Framework.

April 9, 2018

Vision, Mission, and Values

VISION

Montana State University, your world-class university, is committed to access, transforming lives, and shaping the future.

MISSION

At Montana State University, the state's land-grant institution, we integrate learning, discovery, and engagement to educate students, create knowledge and art, and serve communities.

VALUES

Excellence

We pursue exceptional outcomes and continuous and transformational improvement.

Integrity

We commit to honesty, ethical behavior, and accountability.

Inclusion

We recognize, honor, and respect the value and dignity of all individuals and aim to create an environment where all can flourish.

Collaboration

We believe that working together across disciplines and traditional boundaries produces better outcomes.

Curiosity

We encourage inquiry, exploration, creativity, and innovation.

Areas of Distinction and Goals

The Areas of Distinction are the most important places for the University to focus in the next three to seven years to fulfill our mission and vision. They are not the only things MSU will do, but they are the areas that we need to prioritize at this time if we are to move in our strategic direction.

Goals lend further specificity by describing the outcomes we hope to achieve in each area.

AREA OF DISTINCTION: Drive Transformational Student Experiences

Montana State University students are challenged and ultimately changed by their active participation in high quality, innovative experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

GOAL: Broaden access and increase student success

GOAL: Expand opportunities for high-quality graduate education

GOAL: Implement high-impact practices for every student

AREA OF DISTINCTION: Enhance the Impact and Prominence of Scholarship

Montana State University faculty, staff, and students are known for discovering, applying, testing, and sharing knowledge and creative works that expand understanding and improve lives and society.

GOAL: Raise scholarship expectations

GOAL: Expand interdisciplinary scholarship

GOAL: Enhance the impact of scholarship

GOAL: Enhance institutional reputation in scholarship

AREA OF DISTINCTION: Expand Mutually Beneficial and Responsive Engagement in Montana

Montana State University students, faculty and staff work together and with community partners across Montana to create and expand mutually beneficial and responsive partnerships that enhance the social, economic, physical, and environmental well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities.

GOAL: Build mutually beneficial partnerships with state organizations and Montana communities

GOAL: Increase mutually beneficial collaboration with tribal nations and partners

GOAL: Build a University culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and individual growth

Metrics and Action Items

The Strategic Planning Committee is working on the next level of detail that will help us measure progress and define the concrete actions that must be taken to be successful in each Goal.

February 15, 2018

MISSION (What we do)

At Montana State University, the state's land-grant institution, we integrate learning, discovery, and engagement to educate students, create knowledge and art, and serve communities.

VISION (Why we do what we do)

Montana State University inspires and prepares people to improve lives through education and excellence, advancing our state, the nation, and the world.

PRINCIPLES (How we do what we do)

Excellence

We pursue exceptional outcomes and continuous improvement.

Respect

We engage each other with dignity, humility, civility, and professionalism.

Integrity

We commit to honesty, ethical behavior, and accountability in all we do.

Inclusion

We recognize and honor the value and dignity of all individuals and aim to create a compassionate environment where all can be successful and reach their full potential.

Student centered

Informed by research and experience, we provide learners the tools and environment to succeed.

Innovation

We pursue a dynamic environment where new ideas enhance our understanding of the world and drive better services and processes.

Collaboration

We believe that interaction enhances creativity and the development of knowledge and art, and produces meaningful organizational outcomes.

Curiosity

We encourage interest and exploration in learning, understanding, and discovering new possibilities.