Accelerating Impact: USI’s Strategic Plan, 2021-2026
The development of the University of Southern Indiana's third strategic plan was centered around several key priorities: engaging the campus community, learning from previous plans, addressing current financial realities and establishing measurable performance goals. The plan emphasizes the need for the University to act as a catalyst for change, helping shape a talented and educated workforce to meet societal needs. These principles are reflected in Accelerating Impact: USI’s Strategic Plan, 2021-2026.
The plan was shaped by the input of more than 2,600 faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, partners and friends, whose insights and ideas contributed to the creation of an inspiring roadmap. The University’s Trustees have been involved throughout the process, and their approval highlighted their support for this vision.
Accelerating Impact outlines a roadmap to advance the University toward its vision of becoming a recognized leader in higher education—boldly shaping the future and transforming students' lives through exceptional learning and innovation. The plan is designed around four strategic goals:
- Improve Student Success
- Foster Impactful Engagement
- Elevate Visibility and Reputation
- Strengthen Financial Viability
Achieving these goals requires critical investments in the people, programs and partnerships that distinguish USI. These efforts enhance the University's reputation for innovation and strengthen its ability to create positive change.
As the University implements Accelerating Impact, the expertise, commitment and engagement of the entire USI community are vital for its success. The collective efforts of the campus community will continue to be essential as the plan is brought to fruition.
Vision
USI will be a recognized leader in higher education boldly shaping the future and transforming the lives of our students through exceptional learning and intentional innovation.
Mission
USI is an engaged learning community committed to exceptional education. We exist to provide an educated citizenry that can engage in a civil manner within a community with divergent ideas and cultural differences. We prepare our students to lead and make positive contributions to our state, their communities, and to be lifetime learners in a diverse and global society.
Core Values
Integrity
We act with a consistency of character and are accountable for our actions. It manifests in perseverance and grit, principles and kindness, and in our stewardship of resources.
Exceptional Education
Exceptional educational engagements combining disciplinary knowledge with cognitive (e.g. problem solving, adaptive learning), interpersonal (e.g. collaboration, leadership) and intrapersonal (e.g. persistence, initiative) competencies.
Transformative Learning
We pride ourselves, in partnership with our students, on successfully transforming lives. Our students use the education USI offers to evolve themselves, their careers and communities.
Inclusive and Diverse Community
We believe in the value of human diversity. We continue/strive to foster respect and care for one another and welcome everyone to be a part of our institution.
External Engagement
We are an intentionally collaborative place. Our purposeful partnerships make a powerful difference in the broader community.
Goals and Objectives
The University has established four goals. The goals are broad outcome statements that represent meaningful planning challenges and are consistent with accomplishing our mission. These goals will guide our strategic efforts. More than 2,600 people interested in the future of USI have contributed to this overall process. A comprehensive survey and analysis were conducted to develop measurable and verifiable outcomes connected to the goals.
Provide relevant and innovative educational programs, an inclusive intellectual climate, transformative and lifetime learning experiences and outcomes.
Objectives
1. Increase retention rates of first-time, full-time students seeking baccalaureate degrees
- Increase first-year retention to 76% by 2026
- Increase second-year retention to 65% by 2026
- Increase third-year retention to 58% by 2026
2. Increase graduation rates of first-time, full-time students seeking baccalaureate degrees
- Increase four-year graduation rate to 40% by 2026
- Increase six-year graduation rate to 55% by 2026
3. Increase retention and graduation rates of at-risk and underrepresented students by 5% by 2026
4. Increase the number of transfer students and adult learners (students older than 25 years of age at the time of graduation) completing degrees 5% by 2026
5. All graduates will have successfully engaged in two or more high-impact experiences by 2026 (high-impact practices include internships, service-learning, field experiences, etc.)
Collaborations focused on contributing to the positive transformation of individuals and communities.
Objectives
1. Increase the number of partnerships with for-profit, non-profit and government organizations 20% by 2026
2. Increase the number of USI community members engaged in community-based or service-learning activities 15% by 2026
3. Increase the number of high-impact engagement activities 10% by 2026
4. Increase volunteer hours for employees and students 20% by 2026
5. Increase projects and research opportunities with external organizations 15% by 2026
Enhance awareness and reputation of University identity and academic distinctiveness.
Objectives
1. In each College create or enhance a marquee academic program with a regional or national reputation by 2026 as measured by an annual 3% improvement in a relevant composite index
2. Increase public awareness of the University and its academic distinctiveness as measured by an annual 3% improvement in a composite brand awareness index
3. Become a leading public, comprehensive University by 2030 as measured by an annual 3% improvement in a relevant composite index
4. Increase students listing USI as their first choice 10% by 2026
Focus on diversified revenue and funding streams, resource growth and enhanced resource utilization.
Objectives
1. Increase credit hour production to 236,000 by 2026, with an intermediate target of 225,000 by Fall 2022
2. Increase the number of adult learners 20% by 2026 with a minimum increase of 5% by Fall 2022
3. Increase fundraising by $350,000 annually through 2026
4. Increase USI’s Composite Financial Index (which includes measures of revenue, expenses, assets and debt) by 0.25 points annually
5. Increase USI’s overall performance on Indiana’s 3-year averaged funding metrics (degree completion, at-risk completion, high impact completion, persistence, remediation and on-time graduation) by an average of 5% over each biennium, but updated and tracked annually