Summary

Narrative Summary of Strengths

Planning—Missouri State is accountable through the annual performance measures adopted in each of its five-year plans, demonstrating that the institution is future-oriented and self-reflective.

Mission—Missouri State’s distinctive, statewide mission in public affairs is the engine that drives institutional goals and themes, academic program development (undergraduate and graduate), outreach efforts, dealings with internal and external constituents, and the desire to promote a life of learning.

Faculty, Staff, and Students—Quality faculty and staff participate in the governance of Missouri State through the curricular process, the Faculty and Staff Senates, and the committee structure.  A quality student body participates through the Student Government Association, representation on the Board of Governors, advisory committees, and assessment activities.

Improvements in Student Learning—Improvement in student learning is facilitated by faculty control of multiple forms of assessment, the General Education program, the Master Advisor program, the Citizenship and Service-Learning program, Study Away programs, and the Honors College.

Support of Improvement—Evidence of the institution’s commitment to support improvements in student learning is found in its investment in instructional technology, the Faculty/Advisor Web site and online registration system, technical support, and faculty/staff development opportunities sponsored by Continuing Education and the Academic Development Center, the Office of Student Success, the co-curricular programs managed by the Office of Student Affairs, and the community outreach/student learning synthesis created by the Office of Citizenship and Service-Learning.

Appreciation of Diversity—Several of the University’s goals, as expressed in its long-range plans, are to promote diversity and global awareness within curricular and extracurricular student learning and among faculty and staff. Integral to these goals are the efforts of the Study Away Office, the Office of Multicultural Student Services, Disability Services, the Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Admissions Office.

Service to Constituents—The University’s faculty, staff, and students have chosen to serve its constituents and community in a variety of ways, including the campus volunteer system, health-screening programs, and assistance given to local school districts.  As a result, these services have increased the value of Missouri State to its constituents as well as raising interest in the University.

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