Student Affairs
STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2020
Contents 2 Mission, Vision, Core Values 4 SWOT Analysis 5 Goal 1 Engage prospective students, parents, families, and the community in order to promote recruitment and enrollment at UHD. 7 Goal 2 Engage students through our programs and services in order to promote and strengthen holistic student development and success. 9 Goal 3 Build a welcoming, engaging, safe, caring, and inclusive community that creates a culture of UHD tradition, pride, and spirit. 11 Goal 4 Promote the professional development, competency, and capacity of Student Affairs Staff and University constituents. 12 Goal 5 Establish and sustain necessary resources to advance divisional priorities.
Letter From The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Dear Colleagues: The Division of Student Affairs has a unique role in shaping the student experience at the University of Houston-Downtown. We are deeply committed to our relationship with students and their families from the moment they inquire about attending UHD until that momentous day when they cross the graduation stage with their UHD degree. Student success is not a mantra or a saying in Student Affairs; it embodies all that we stand for. That is why we are committed to providing students with a transformative learning experience that furthers their coursework while encouraging their personal growth and development in a KROLVWLF ZD\ ,Q RUGHU WR SURYLGH VWXGHQWV WKH EHVW HGXFDWLRQDO H[SHULHQFH SRVVLEOH D VSHFLÀF VHW of conditions must exist. Those conditions must include a caring and expert staff, a welcoming DQG LQFOXVLYH HQYLURQPHQW DQG DGHTXDWH UHVRXUFHV ERWK KXPDQ DQG ÀVFDO 7KLV strategic plan provides our road map to achieving our vision of becoming a premier division of student affairs that is dedicated to a process of continued improvement in all that we do. I hope you enjoy reading our comprehensive four-year plan and that it inspires you to join us in our exciting quest to educate and develop this nation’s future! In gator pride, Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Strategic Plan — UHD Student Affairs
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What We Plan to Accomplish MISSION The University of Houston-Downtown Student Affairs unit is dedicated to being a leader in developing a student-centered university, helping students realize their personal growth potential while achieving their educational and career goals. In our role as educators, UHD Student Affairs professionals provide a broad range of educational opportunities and teachable moments.
VISION The University of Houston-Downtown Division of Student Affairs will be a premier student affairs unit who’s caring, expert, and innovative professionals, in partnership with the university community, create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students engage, learn, succeed, and positively impact their communities and the global society.
CORE VALUES Student Centered: Student Affairs is committed to focusing on the aspirations and needs of students in providing responsive processes, services, programming, and experiences. Our commitment gives students an active role in shaping the university to instill a sense of legitimate participation in their educational experience. Collaborative Spirit: Student Affairs builds productive relationships with UHD departments, faculty, students, and alumni to address the needs of UHD, the University of Houston System, and the greater Houston area. Boldness: Student Affairs embraces a courageous and creative edge grounded in a willingness to try new, innovative, and informed approaches dedicated to student development and success. Trust: Student Affairs facilitates all relationships by delivering consistency and follow-through in DFWLRQV ZRUGV DQG GHFLVLRQV UHVXOWLQJ LQ FRQVWLWXHQW FRQĂ€GHQFH Expertise: Student Affairs provides subject matter experts who help to interpret institutional and external requirements and policies. These experts share knowledge with the campus community, advocate for our students, protect the integrity of the institution, and proactively identify challenges that may affect students, staff, or faculty. Institutional Pride: Student Affairs fosters a culture of positive experiences at our institution WKDW GHYHORSV D VHQVH RI JUHDW VDWLVIDFWLRQ VHOI ZRUWK FRPPXQLW\ DQG VWURQJ DIĂ€QLW\ IRU WKH university and the UHD family.
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SWOT Analysis Strengths Student Affairs Professionals Work Together
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Lack of Documentation
Staff Experience
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Lack of Backup
Commitment to Access
Solve Problems
Lack of Organizational Depth
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Employee Training and Development
Flexibility
Lack of Cross-training
Listen
Lack of Assessment
Faculty, Students, Administration
Generous
Lack of Fiscal Resources
Policy
Retention (Student & Staff)
Accessible
Reactive instead of Proactive
Collaboration
Wasted Resources (Money and Human)
Knowledge
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Community
Know Limitations
Lack of Use of Technology
Resourceful
Salary Level
Develop Inventory of Co-curricular Programs
Experience
Lack of Employee Recognition
Open Communication
Peer Mentorship
Facilities/Student Union/ Lack of Space for Students Technology
Competition with Other Institutions Financial Resources
Grant Opportunities
,QVXIÀFLHQW 6WXGHQW Resources
Patching but Not Solving
Social Media/Website
Graduation Rates
Creative
Recruitment/Employee Retention
Civic/Community Engagement
Dedicated
Onboarding
Responsive
Lack of Communication
Collaboration & Marketing in Events and Programs
Willingness/Adaptable
Over Program/Under Program
Well-rounded Diversity
Space Brand External Awareness
Understanding Students Wants and Needs in Programming Orgsync & Technology
Distance & Online UHD History Frames Education Engagement Community Perceptions of (equity) $FDGHPLF 4XDOLW\ DQG 3URÀOH of UHD Students Student Services Needs/ Segment Services to Meet Program Attendance Needs
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Threats
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Articulation of QEP
GOAL
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Engage prospective students, parents, families, and the community in order to promote recruitment and enrollment at UHD.
Statement of the Issue: (QUROOPHQW JRDOV RI E\ QHFHVVLWDWH D FRRUGLQDWHG HQUROOPHQW SODQ WR DWWUDFW QHZ PDUNHWV LPSURYH HQUROOPHQW \LHOGV DQG QHZ VWXGHQW SURÀOHV LQ DGGLWLRQ WR LPSURYLQJ UHWHQWLRQ and graduation rates. Metrics: Achieve enrollment increases as described in SEM plan. Objective: Refer to Strategic Enrollment Management Plan.
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GOAL Engage students through our programs and services in order to promote and strengthen holistic student development and success.
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Statement of the Issue: The Student Affairs Leadership Team noted a desire to increase interactions and RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR LQWHUYHQH ZLWK VWXGHQWV DW FULWLFDO SRLQWV WR LQà XHQFH WKHLU UHWHQWLRQ SHUVLVWHQFH DQG GHYHORSPHQW Student Affairs programs do not have assessment data that indicates that current programs have a positive effect on academic performance or persistence. Metrics: • • • • •
$SSURSULDWH RIĂ€FH YLVLWV H J VHUYLFHV XWLOL]HG DQG FRQWDFW PHWULF DV GHĂ€QHG E\ DSSURYHG VHUYLFH levels Increase in annual event participation and satisfaction rates ,QFUHDVH LQ VWXGHQW VDWLVIDFWLRQ UDWHV RI WKH RIĂ€FH Achievement of programmatic learning outcomes Long-term metrics: Longitudinal study on retention, graduation and grades for student participants
Objective: Strengthen and expand existing successful programs and services in Student Affairs and develop new ideas, concepts, and programs that have the best potential and/or results for promoting student success. Action Items: • ,PSURYH ÀUVW \HDU VWXGHQWV¡ XWLOL]DWLRQ RI FDPSXV VXSSRUW VHUYLFHV DQG SURYLGH SURJUDPV that offer common experiences to help students to identify themselves as a part of the UHD community. •
'HYHORS D YLVLRQ DQG SODQ IRU SURPRWLQJ VWXGHQW GHYHORSPHQW WKURXJK WKH ÀUVW \HDU H[SHULHQFHV offered at UHD in partnership with University College (e.g. First-Year Experience, orientation, convocation)
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Collaborate with Academic Affairs and other campus entities to provide a strong First-Year Seminar program that connects new students to all campus support services.
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Assess existing programs to determine their contributions to student success. • • •
,PSURYH HIĂ€FLHQFLHV WKURXJK WKH XWLOL]DWLRQ RI SURJUDP UHYLHZ UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV LQ VKRUW and long-term planning. Eliminate unsuccessful programs. Identify ways to demonstrate how current and new programs add value to the student experience.
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Develop/expand the capacity of student communities to positively impact retention and graduation (e.g. Greek Organizations, Student Club Sports, Veteran Student Associations, Disability Student Associations, Campus Ambassadors, etc.).
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Develop a campus committee dedicated to enhancing the student experience by meeting on a PRQWKO\ EDVLV WR HQKDQFH WKH FRRUGLQDWLRQ RI VHUYLFHV DQG FROOHFWLYHO\ LGHQWLI\ QHHGV RI VSHFLÀF student populations. •
The committee will also develop opportunities to celebrate student successes. Strategic Plan — UHD Student Affairs
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Objective: Educate and empower students to make choices that enhance their seven dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, spiritual, and professional/career. Action Items: • Evaluate current programming and services to assess their contribution to the seven dimensions of wellness. •
Develop deliberate, intentional, and measurable programming and services focused on fostering student wellness.
Objective: Develop programs that integrate curricular and co-curricular components to support student GHYHORSPHQW RI st century skills. Action Items: • Increase programming partnerships across Student Affairs to develop an annual calendar of programs/activities that promote collaboration, maximize resources, and connect to the learning outcomes in the common core curriculum. •
Increase programming partnerships with faculty to develop an annual inventory of programs/ activities that facilitate experiential learning.
Objective: Empower students to grow personally in their self-identity, purpose, and leadership. Action Items: • Evaluate current programming and services to assess their contribution to the development of student identity, purpose, and leadership. •
Develop and implement initiatives for students to increase self-esteem, strengthen self-identity, and embrace individuality within the context of social responsibility.
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Develop and implement initiatives for students to explore their purpose in college and in life.
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Develop and implement initiatives for students to discover and enhance their leadership ability and skills.
Objective: (VWDEOLVK DQ DVVHVVPHQW EDVHG FXOWXUH ZLWKLQ 6WXGHQW $IIDLUV WR PD[LPL]H HIÀFLHQF\ DQG effectiveness while fostering a campus community which understands and utilizes integrated student learning outcomes. Action Items: • Create learning opportunities to develop Student Affairs professionals’ expertise in planning, assessment, and continuous improvement.
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Implement annual program assessment model.
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Develop and implement a campus-wide Student Affairs showcase to highlight programming achievements and future plans.
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Request staff support for management of Student Affairs assessment.
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GOAL
3
Build a welcoming, engaging, safe, caring and inclusive community that creates a culture of UHD tradition, pride and spirit.
Statement of the Issue: The Student Affairs Leadership Team noted observations that although institutional pride DSSHDUV WR KDYH LPSURYHG VLQFH WKH 8+' VWUDWHJLF SODQ LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ EHJDQ LQ WKHUH LV VWLOO PXFK ZRUN WR EH GRQH LQ FUHDWLQJ D VHQVH RI 8+' WUDGLWLRQ VSLULW SULGH DQG VHQVH RI EHORQJLQJ 8+' SULGH LV GHÀQHG as an emotional bond that is formed between the student and the institution. Metrics: •
Campus climate survey • 6WXGHQW VDWLVIDFWLRQ UDWHV IRU VWXGHQW DIIDLUV RIÀFHV
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Student self-assessment data of their level of school spirit
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Student self-assessment data of their level of institutional pride
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Student self-assessment data of their probability that they would recommend UHD to a friend or family member
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Student self-assessment data of the percentage of students who had family members attend UHD prior to them
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Increases in student organization involvement
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Student self-assessment data of their plans to return to UHD for special events after graduation
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The degree to which graduates are remaining engaged with the university after graduation (i.e., SHUFHQW UHWXUQLQJ IRU D JUDGXDWH GHJUHH SHUFHQW PDNLQJ ÀQDQFLDO FRQWULEXWLRQV SHUFHQW SDUWLFLSDWLQJ in and supporting Student Affairs events, etc.)
Objective: Create a plan to coordinate existing efforts and develop new ideas to promote University tradition, spirit, and pride. Action Items: •
Create a committee to oversee the development and implementation of traditions and spirit initiatives. •
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Develop mechanisms to share traditions and spirit initiatives with internal and external constituents.
Increase Student Affairs branding in social media.
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Objective: Create programs, policies, and practices that are student-centered Action Items: •
Include students as major stakeholders in the assessing and planning of programs.
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Provide training opportunities and legitimate participation for Student Affairs professionals regarding the role of Student Affairs in the educational process. (Student development theory)
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Create feedback loops for students and staff.
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Create opportunities to encourage new ideas from students and staff to improve the student experience.
Objective: Create an environment to increase understanding and appreciation of the contribution of all people, communities, cultures, and ideas within the remarkably diverse UHD student body Action Items:
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Offer professional development opportunities to increase cultural competence among students, faculty, and staff.
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Increase programming partnerships across the University to produce an annual calendar of programs/activities that demonstrate UHD’s inclusivity.
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GOAL
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Promote the professional development, competency, and capacity of Student Affairs staff and University constituents.
Statement of the Issue: The Student Affairs Leadership Team noted that Student Affairs staff are passionate about serving students. However, additional student affairs professional development is needed. Employment 6HUYLFHV DQG 2SHUDWLRQV RIIHUV HPSOR\HH GHYHORSPHQW SURJUDPV EXW WKH\ GR QRW FRYHU WKH FRQWHQW VSHFLÀF RU student development theory approaches relevant to Student Affairs. Metrics: •
Annual report of the following professional development and training by department;
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Annual Report of number and type of compliance initiatives, number and type of opportunities for improvement, and detailed corrective actions for the following: Title IX, Suicide Prevention, Mental +HDOWK 'LVDELOLW\ 7LWOH ,9 )DPLO\ (GXFDWLRQ 5LJKWV DQG 3ULYDF\ $FW )(53$ 'UXJ DQG Alcohol Abuse Prevention, and The Higher Education Act
Objective: Facilitate compliance, awareness, and education of legislation and federal laws that impact Student Affairs areas. Action Items: •
Develop and implement initiatives for the training, education, and compliance of the following: • Title IX • Suicide Prevention • Mental Health • 'LVDELOLW\ • Title IV • The Higher Education Act
Objective: Develop a division-wide professional development program for staff based on a crossfunctional competencies model. Action Items: •
Student Affairs directors will identify core competencies for all Student Affairs staff.
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Establish a Professional Development Committee to: •
Identify a cross-functional competency model to be used.
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Develop an annual calendar of professional development activities for Student Affairs professionals
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GOAL
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Establish and sustain necessary resources to advance divisional priorities.
Statement of the Issue: 7KH 6WXGHQW $IIDLUV /HDGHUVKLS 7HDP QRWHG WKDW WKH SODQ LGHQWLÀHV DJJUHVVLYH JRDOV WKDW ZLOO UHTXLUH D FRPPLWPHQW RI UHVRXUFHV ÀVFDO KXPDQ DQG VSDFH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH FXUUHQW VWDII WR VWXGHQW UDWLR LQ VRPH 6WXGHQW $IIDLUV XQLWV WKH OHDGHUVKLS WHDP KDV LGHQWLÀHG FKDOOHQJHV ZLWK HQWU\ OHYHO DQG PLG OHYHO Student Affairs professionals’ attrition rates. Metrics: •
Annual increase in employee retention rates
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Evaluate the staff-to-student ratio
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$QQXDO LQFUHDVH LQ VWDII VDWLVĂ€HG ZLWK WKHLU ZRUN H[SHULHQFHV DV UHĂ HFWHG LQ WKH VWDII FOLPDWH VXUYH\ (segmented for Student Affairs);
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Funded annual budget requests analysis
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Annual increase in operation budget for student affairs unit(s)
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Annual increase in grant submissions in the following categories: (local grants, state grants, foundation support, and federal grants)
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Annual increase in grant funds awarded in the following categories: (local grants, state grants, foundation support, and federal grants)
Objective: Decrease entry level and mid-level student affairs professionals’ attrition rates. Action Items: •
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Develop a talent acquisition and development plan for the Student Affairs unit. •
Design the curriculum and model for SA on-boarding and mentoring.
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Design the curriculum and model for mid-level management leadership development.
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Design the curriculum and model for leadership development for senior level staff.
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Work with Employment Services and Operations to establish career ladders for employees.
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Develop meaningful employee development plans for all SA staff with appropriate feedback intervals.
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Objective: Employ a diverse Student Affairs workforce at the entry, mid, and senior levels of Student Affairs. Action Items: •
Actively present and promote UHD and career opportunities at conferences, electronic platforms and other venues that highlight a commitment to diversity and expertise in the profession.
Objective: Actively participate in the University planning and budgeting process. Action Items: •
Improve the use of assessment data to support budget requests.
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Objective: Diversify funding ources to Student Affairs. Action Items: •
Offer professional development opportunities in grant and proposal development and writing,
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Identify and compete for grant opportunities.
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UHD Student Affairs One Main Street, Suite S380 Houston, TX 77002 713-221-8100 www.uhd.edu/studentaffairs