Introduction

Advising Resources and Special Programs (ARSP) staff met over several weeks during Summer 2004 semester to formulate a strategic plan that would outline the goals and objectives of the unit.  Spring 2006 – Fall 2006, strategic planning was revisited to more clearly reflect the reorganization and workload of the Unit which took place during AY 2005-2006.  In addition, the revisit to strategic planning included aligning Unit Goals with North Central Accreditation Criteria (NCA) and unit assessment goals to prepare for the NCA visit that took place Fall 2008.  (This is a working document.)

Background

The Advising Resources and Special Programs Unit has historically consisted of a variety of programs, services and responsibilities that provide support for the academic success of students. Advising Resources and Special Programs (ARSP) was originally established in the early 1980’s and was known as The Academic Resource Center (ARC). During the mid-1990’s, with the expansion of student support programs and development of student services, the division was known as Academic Resources and Special Programs.

ARSP began with and still operates a variety of programs that primarily focus on advising and academic support services for undergraduate students. Many services provided by ARSP are developmental in nature and are intended to help students navigate the higher education system, and to become independent and self-directed learners who graduate in a timely manner.  

ARSP includes federal funded TRiO grant programs that not only support student success of GVSU students, but also reach out to middle school and high school students in the surrounding K-12 school districts. Through grant-funded programs such as Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search (Connections), pre-college students from targeted populations are assisted as they prepare for college.

Finally, in addition to advising and support programs, ARSP is responsible for Academic Standards oversight and assists with select annual university-wide events.  Figure 1 on the following page presents the reorganized description of the ARSP Structure and Functions as of 2006.   ARSP Strategic Plan and assessment documents now reflect the recent reorganization.

ARSP:  Linking our work to the University’s Vision, Mission and Values

During the ARSP Annual “Advance” on August 24, 2006, the staff reviewed Grand Valley State University’s vision, mission, goals and values, and then created a vision statement for ARSP as well as revising the Unit goals.

“Strategic Planning

Grand Valley's Board of Trustees approved the following February 14, 2003.

Vision

Grand Valley State University is a public institution with a local, regional and state commitment, and a global perspective. We are dedicated to providing our students with the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education.

Teaching in the liberal tradition, whether in general arts and sciences or the professional degree programs, has always been at the heart of Grand Valley's educational mission. A liberal education acquaints students with the tradition of humane values and the heritage, problems, and perspectives of their own and other cultures. It transcends the acquisition of information and rests on scholarship and the open exchange of ideas. Students learn to think for themselves as they develop the skills of inquiry, reflection, critical analysis, dialogue, and expression. At Grand Valley State University, the values of liberal education permeate all programs and areas of study.

A broad education rooted in the arts and sciences provides students with the general knowledge and skills necessary to participate intelligently in public discourse. Grand Valley State University is also dedicated to educating students to become competent professionals in their chosen fields. These ideals co-exist within our institution, and together they inspire graduates not only to pursue their own success and well-being but also to positively influence their communities, their professions, and their world.

Grand Valley State University is characterized by and known for superior student-centered teaching and learning. Our diverse environment promotes the development of intellect and creativity through teaching, scholarship, service, and a vibrant campus culture. Realizing this vision will result in a broad national reputation for excellence.

Mission

Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship and public service.

Value Statements

At Grand Valley State University,

We Value:

Effective Teaching

Our highest priority is to offer outstanding teaching in all of our undergraduate and graduate programs. The teaching culture of Grand Valley State University is characterized by the continual development of excellence in the classroom, the recognition of multiple ways of learning, and the accessibility of faculty to students. In order to nurture the habits of intellectual growth, we seek to instill in our students curiosity as well as the love of learning. Students acquire new knowledge and explore its application through research, artistic expression, and scholarly activity. We value the vigorous engagement of students in the classroom and other learning environments.

Liberal Education

Grand Valley State University is committed to providing each student a broad educational experience that integrates liberal learning with preparation for career or profession. Liberal education begins with encountering the great ideas of diverse traditions in the humanities, the creative and performing arts, the natural and social sciences and mathematics, and is an essential part of all of our professional programs. We value the liberal ideals of critical thinking and preparing students for lifelong learning. The practice of liberal learning develops the skills of inquiry and reflection, which guide students to think for themselves, gain self-knowledge, and make ethical judgments. Such learning can inform individual and collective actions and prepare students for the responsibility of local, national, and global citizenship.

Scholarship

Scholarship is an essential component of the university's mission as an institution of higher learning and community service. Excellence in teaching at the university level depends upon active scholarship by faculty members. Through basic and applied research, artistic expression and performance, and other forms of scholarship, faculty members contribute to the development and application of knowledge, and create a dynamic environment for learning. Active scholarship may include collaboration of faculty and staff with students, business and labor, government, and community organizations. In this way, the benefits of a liberal education can extend beyond classroom walls to lifelong learning and partnerships between the university and its diverse communities.

Diversity and Community

A range of thoughtful perspectives is necessary for open inquiry, liberal education, and a healthy community. Recognizing this, we seek and welcome a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff. We value a multiplicity of opinions and backgrounds and seek ways to incorporate the voices and experiences of all into our university. We value our local community and embrace the participation of individuals and groups from Michigan, the nation and the world. We also encourage participation in educational opportunities abroad. In order to foster a healthy and diverse environment, we will act with integrity, communicate respectfully, and accept responsibility for our words and actions.

Service

We at Grand Valley State University value the collaboration of faculty, staff, and students with external partners in addressing mutual interests and regional needs. The university offers the communities it serves resources and inspiration in their own lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute their expertise and service to the university, their disciplines' professional organizations and the community. Students are encouraged to be active citizens, to become active service providers, and to take part in various service learning and volunteer opportunities in the community and abroad.

GVSU Goals

1.                  To support high quality, student-focused, undergraduate and graduate education provided by a faculty dedicated to excellent teaching, scholarship and professional service.

2.                  To create a broad educational experience that is guided by a philosophy supporting liberal education in all academic programs.

3.                  To build partnerships and collaborations between the university and external entities that contribute to the enrichment of society in the region, the state and beyond.

4.                  To promote and integrate diversity in all aspects of university life.

5.                  To encourage a vibrant campus culture that fosters an atmosphere of inquiry and learning in all campus settings.

6.                  To effectively develop and allocate financial resources with which to advance the university mission and respond to change and emerging opportunities. 

7.                  To enhance the image and visibility of the university and its work.

ARSP Vision Statement – adopted August 24, 2006

Advising Resources and Special Programs at Grand Valley State University is an academic support service unit in a public university committed to facilitating student academic success through the use of outreach programs and creative collaborations.

Mission Statement– adopted July 2004

Advising Resources and Special Programs (ARSP) provides students and the greater community with academic advising, support services, and resources to complete educational and career goals. 

ARSP Values

• Individualism
• Diversity
• Professionalism
• Collaboration
• Scholarship
• Life-long learning.   

Advising Resources and Special Programs

Goals, Objectives and Assessment Strategies:

Alignment with NCA Criterion and University Goals

Program Objective 1.1:                         Increase the number of pre-major freshmen and transfer students who will declare a major by the end of their second semester.

Staff Objective 1.1:                               EXCEL, Early Alert, LAKER, and Transfer Advising staff will focus on using specific strategies to help pre-major freshmen identify and select a major.

Student Outcome Objective 1.1:           Students will develop an academic plan in consultation with their advisors in an effort to achieve their graduation goals.

Program Objective 1.2.                        Increase the number of pre-major freshmen who meet with an ARSP advisor at least once during their first year at Grand Valley State University

Staff Objective 1.2:                               Increase personnel and availability of ARSP advising appointments.

Student Outcome Objective 1.2            Pre-major students will be introduced to resources during advising contacts.

Program Objective 2.1:                         All ARSP programs will integrate resources and activities that support the liberal education philosophy.

Staff Objective 2.1:                               Advising and tutoring staff will use campus resources to reinforce the liberal education message and philosophy.

Student Learning Objective 2.1:            Students will apply the concepts of liberal learning to their academic plan.

Program Objective 3.1:                         ARSP will increase the number of collaborations to reach a broader population of students and resources to impact program initiatives.

Staff Objective 3.1:                               ARSP staff will increase its networking activities and develop strategies to utilize new resources.

Student Learning Objective 3.1:            Students will utilize information and resources provided through these new collaborations.

Program Objective 4.1:                         All ARSP programs will integrate resources and activities that support the efforts to promote awareness of the diverse student population.

Staff Objective 4.1:                               ARSP staff will attend workshops and conferences related to diversity and inclusion issues.

Student Learning Objective 4.1:            Students will access and utilize campus and community resources provided by ARSP staff to support their diverse needs.

Program Objective 5.1:                         ARSP programs will develop critical thinking and problem solving techniques to be used by students when designing educational and career plans.  

Staff Objective 5.1:                               ARSP staff will increase their knowledge of critical thinking and problem solving techniques by utilizing resources on campus and through professional association.

Student Learning Objective 5.1:            Students will utilize critical thinking and problem solving techniques provided to them by ARSP staff.

Program Objective 6.1: ARSP program annual budget requests will more accurately reflect projected program expenses.

Staff Objective 6.1:                   ARSP directors will attend budget training sessions to effectively manage annual budget allocations.

Student Objective 6.1:            Students will be able to access and utilize ARSP Program services due to appropriate annual funding requests and allocations. 

Program Objective 7.1:                         Reorganize the unit to better reflect the functions of the programs and initiatives that operate within ARSP.

Staff Objective 7.1:                               ARSP staff will be able to describe the structure of the unit, the functions of the programs within the unit, and align program activities with other university initiatives.

Student Learning Objective 7.1             Students will be able to easily access program information and services through enhanced ARSP website and publication material.