Strategic Plan for Graduate School
Mission
To define, support, and advance excellence in graduate education and the
scholarly and research activities associated with it. To articulate a
vision of excellence in our actions and policies that affect students,
faculty, and curriculum. To advocate for graduate education and
graduate students, faculty, and staff within the university in terms of
resources, services, and other activities that support graduate student
endeavors and goals; and encourage a diverse, inclusive, and connected
graduate community.
Vision
GVSU will become the university of choice for students seeking a strong
graduate education in a Carnegie classification "Master's
Large" institution of higher education that is grounded in a
liberal arts tradition by focusing on the promotion of distinctive and
exemplary graduate education programs, comprehensive educational
settings, service, and scholarly experiences. The Graduate School will
provide exemplary leadership and continuous support for the development
and provision of distinctive and exceptional graduate programs that
prepare GVSU graduates to be effective leaders in their field, to be
engaged lifelong learners, to succeed in attaining a professional career
or admission to further graduate or professional study, and to excel in
a global environment.
Value Statement
Critical Thought - our students actively and skillfully engage in
conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating
information as it applies to their area of study as well as their
community as a whole. Personal Capacity - our graduate community
develops and sustains personal initiative and maintains a culture of
professionalism and integrity. High Impact Challenges - we offer
meaningful opportunities to learn in a holistic environment and those
involved are challenged and transformed by the environment and those
opportunities. Inclusion - we provide an environment and climate of
collegiality, collaboration, and inclusiveness for all.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Objective 1.A.1
At least 95% of graduate students will participate in two or more high
impact learning experiences prior to graduation, excluding the norm of
capstone, thesis, dissertation, and oral and written exams.
Baseline
90%
Progress
2018 Status
Achieved
All graduate programs report that all graduate students participate in two or more high impact learning experiences prior to graduation.
2017 Status
Achieved
100% of students participate in two or more high impact learning experiences.
Objective 1.A.3
Develop at least 5 new combined-degree programs.
Baseline
As of 2015-16 there are two combined degree programs.
Progress
2018 Status
Achieved
GVSU now offers eight bachelors/graduate combined degree programs.
2017 Status
Substantive Progress
New combined degree programs have been added for Cell and Molecular Biology, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, and the Student Initiated Combined Degree program.
Objective 1.A.4
Improve ratings by 10% for the combined excellent and very good
categories for the components of the Graduate Exit Survey related to
mentoring (Quality of academic advising and guidance) and job placement
(Assistance in finding employment).
Baseline
For the Quality of Academic Advising the excellent and very good scores
comprise 52% of the respondents. For the Assistance in finding
employment the excellent and very good scores comprise 30% of the respondents.
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
Results from the Graduate Exit Survey indicate the quality of academic advising in the "excellent" and "very good" categories has increased from 2015-16 (52%) to 2018-19 (80%)
Results from the Graduate Exit Survey indicate that the support in finding employment in the "excellent" and "very good" categories has increased from 2015-16 (30%) to 2018-19 (61%).
2018 Status
Achieved
The quality of academic advising guidance reported as "excellent or very good" by respondents to the Graduate Exit survey increased by 25% from 2015-16 (56%) to 2017-18 (81%)
The quality of assistance in finding employment reported as "excellent or very good" by respondents to the Graduate Exit survey increased by 18% from 2015-16 (43%) to 2016-17 (61%).
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Objective 1.B.1
By 2021, total graduate student enrollment should include at least 20%
from international and traditionally underrepresented populations.
Baseline
15% in Winter 2016
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
2018-19 Report
Unduplicated minority student headcount: 738
Unduplicated international student headcount: 190
Unduplicated student headcount total: 3961
Minority percentage: 18.62
International percentage: 4.8
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
Unduplicated Minority headcount: 707
Unduplicated International headcount: 195
Unduplicated headcount total: 3836
Minority: 18.4%
International: 5.1% (this percentage likely has overlap in the minority percentage)
Objective 1.B.3
Increase to 12 the number of co-curricular offerings for traditional and
non-traditional students, including resources and events for diverse
populations, offered by The Graduate School and the Graduate Student
Association.
Baseline
In 2015-16 there were 9 co-curricular offerings.
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
In 2018 there were 14 co-curricular offerings.
2018 Status
Achieved
In 2018 there were 14 co-curricular offerings.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Objective 1.C.2
66% of graduate programs will have their own graduate Registered Student
Organization (RSO).
Baseline
2015-16 - 55% of graduate programs have a RSO.
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
21 graduate programs have an individual RSO. Additionally, these RSO’s serve more than one program: CCPS International Student Group (for all international graduate students in MHA, MPA, MPNL, CJ, SW) Nonprofit Professionals: for all graduate programs in SPNHA (MPA, MHA, MPNL); Health Professions GSA: Any health related (MHA, MPH, SLP, CD, Medical Dosimetry, PAS, PT, OT, Nursing); and Professional Association of Graduate Scientists: Serves PSMs, (Biotechnology, Biostatistics, Health Informatics/Bioinformatics, DSA). 50% of graduate programs have an RSO, while 71% of graduate programs are served by an RSO.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
19 graduate programs have an individual RSO. Additionally, these RSO’s serve more than one program: CCPS International Student Group (for all intl. grad students in MHA, MPA, MPNL, CJ, SW)' Nonprofit Professionals: for all graduate programs in SPNHA (MPA, MHA, MPNL); Health Professions GSA: Any health related (MHA, MPH, SLP, CD, Medical Dosimetry, PAS, PT, OT, Nursing); and Professional Association of Graduate Scientists: Serves PSMs, (Biotechnology, Biostatistics, HI/BI, DSA).
46% of graduate programs have an RSO, while 68% of graduate programs are served by an RSO.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Objective 1.D.1
Increase online presence of graduate programs so that 75% of programs
have online options for at least one of their required courses.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
19 academic units offered online/hybrid courses in 2018-19, however, some units could serve multiple graduate programs (e.g. Statistics, Professional Science Masters, School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration, College of Education). This equates to 45% of the programs offering online options. When examining only online courses, the number of units increased to 12.
2018 Status
Substantive Progress
There were 17 departments that offered Online/Hybrid courses in 2017-18, however, some departments could serve multiple graduate programs (Statistics, Professional Science Masters, School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration, Educational Foundations). There were 12 department that offered only Online courses (with continued overlap of Statistics, PSMs, SPNHA, and Educational Foundations).
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Objective 1.E.1
The Graduate School will advocate in the budget process for a 2% yearly
increase in budget support for the Graduate Student Association so they
can provide more programming and professional development opportunities
for graduate students.
Baseline
$100,000 for 2015-16
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The GSA received $110,000 for 2019-20. With a carryover of $52,484 from the prior year budget.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
The GSA received $110,000 in 2018-19, which was 10% increase from 2017-18.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Objective 2.A.1
By 2021, 95% of all regular graduate faculty approved for engaging in
graduate education will meet standards for Full Graduate Faculty status.
Baseline
TBD by TGS
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
The percentage of regular faculty who hold Full Graduate faculty status is 84.8%.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
Percentage of Regular Faculty who are approved at the Full graduate faculty level was 86.75%.
Objective 2.A.2
By 2021, increase attendance at graduate faculty meetings so that 50% of
regular graduate faculty attend at least one meeting per academic year.
Baseline
2015-16 is 33%.
Progress
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
There has been minimal change from 2017 to 2018 in the number of regular graduate faculty attending a graduate faculty meeting.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Objective 2.B.1
Include diversity and inclusion criteria for new graduate faculty
applicants (e.g. a question on the Graduate Faculty application such as,
"explain your teaching approach in terms of employing inclusive principles").
Baseline
There are no current diversity or inclusion criteria for graduate faculty.
Progress
2019 Status
Minimal Progress
There has been no further discussion with Graduate Council
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
The Graduate School is engaging in discussions with the Graduate Council about changes to the Regular Faculty Involved in Graduate Education policy.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Objective 2.C.2
Increase by 10% the number of externally funded graduate assistantship
positions.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The number of externally funded graduate assistantships has increased to 18 for 2018-19 academic year.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
The number of externally funded graduate assistantships has increased to 14.5 for 2017-18 academic year.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Objective 2.D.1
The Graduate School will work with CSCE and FTLC to offer at least one
workshop each semester on topics unique to the graduate faculty perspective.
Baseline
0 workshops in 2015-16.
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The FTLC offers a number of faculty workshops and learning communities that are directly related to topic relevant to graduate faculty. Examples include the following: Growing Diversity; Internships: Approaches, Strategies, and Best Practices; Practicing Mindfulness; and Best Practices in Hybrid Delivery.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Objective 2.E.1
By 2021, use of adjunct graduate faculty as the instructor of record for
core and elective courses will be less than 40% for graduate degree programs.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The following programs had more than 40% of their core and elective courses taught by non-regular faculty members: EMBA, Social Work, Medical Dosimetry, and Speech Language Pathology.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
The graduate programs with adjunct graduate faculty teaching 40% or more of core and elective courses are: Executive MBA, Medical Dosimetry, Speech Language Pathology, and Social Work.
Objective 2.E.2
By 2021, 70% of the GVSU graduate program curricula will be provided by
tenured or tenure-track faculty.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
In 2018-19, 79.3% of all graduate curricula were taught by regular graduate faculty.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
In 2017-18, an average of 81.9% of all graduate program curricula were taught by tenured or tenure-track faculty.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Objective 3.A.1
By 2021, facilitate the creation of three new interdisciplinary programs
in graduate education.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Minimal Progress
No additional work has been completed on this objective
2018 Status
Substantive Progress
There are now two new interdisciplinary masters degrees at GVSU; Social Innovation and the Student Initiated Combined Degree program.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Objective 3.B.1
Include at least one topic on diversity and inclusion on the agenda at
all new graduate student orientations.
Baseline
1 topic for each of the Fall 2015 and Winter 2016 new graduate student orientations.
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
The Graduate School includes at least one topic on diversity and inclusion at all new graduate student orientations.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
There has been at least one topic on diversity and inclusion on the agenda for each of the last four new graduate student orientations.
Objective 3.B.3
Provide all Graduate Program Directors with at least one training
session per academic year focused on diversity and inclusion.
Baseline
0 sessions for 2014-15
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
The Graduate School includes at least one agenda item on diversity and inclusion for the GPDs each year.
2018 Status
Substantive Progress
There has been at least one training session focused on diversity and inclusion at a Graduate Program Director's meeting during each of the last two academic years.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Objective 3.C.2
The Graduate School will assist the Graduate Student Association in
increasing student participation so that 50% of all graduate students
are members of a graduate Registered Graduate Student Association (RSO).
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
The number of graduate students that belong to a Registered Student Organization (RSO) is 1,214 which equals 41.5% of all graduate students.
2017 Status
Substantive Progress
The number of graduate students that belong to a Registered Student Organization (RSO) is 776 which equals 25.1% of all graduate students.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Objective 3.E.1
By 2021, 100% of doctoral degree programs will have a graduate
assistantship stipend differential from masters degree level program.
Baseline
No differential at the current time.
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
The Dean of the Graduate School and the Provost are having discussions about increasing the stipend amount for all graduate programs.
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
There has been no further discussions on having the graduate assistantship stipend for doctoral degree students be different from masters degree students.
Objective 3.E.3
Increase graduate assistantship stipends by $500 by 2021.
Baseline
2015-16 stipend levels are $8000 per year.
Progress
2019 Status
Minimal Progress
There has been no change in graduate assistantship stipend levels.
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
There has been no increase in graduate assistantship stipend levels.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Objective 4.A.1
Send University Communications at least 3 notifications per semester
that promote awards given to graduate students, faculty, and degree programs.
Baseline
One communication per semester.
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The Graduate School has provided, on average, at least 4 notifications per semester to University Communications.
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
The Graduate School uses a number of sources to identify awards given to students, faculty, and staff. The number of notifications sent to University Communications is at least 3 per semester.
Objective 4.A.2
Recognize at least 3 student successes per month on The Graduate School
website by seeking out student achievements from faculty and graduate
program directors.
Baseline
2016 - one success story per month.
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
The Graduate School continues to promote student successes on the Graduate School website.
2018 Status
Substantive Progress
During the 2017-18 academic year there were approximately 1-2 student success stories posted on the Graduate School website.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Objective 4.B.1
100% of graduate programs will use Holistic Review in Graduate
Admissions as defined by the Council of Graduate Schools
Baseline
2016 - 90% of graduate programs used Holistic Review in graduate
admission decisions.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Objective 4.C.1
By 2021, GVSU will increase the number of community partners that
provide support (e.g. financial, internships, clinical placements) to
our graduate programs and graduate students by 10%.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
The total number of clinical sites that graduate programs partnered with, with each single count representing one clinical site at one unique location.
2016-17 Academic Year: 789
2017-18 Academic Year: 921
2018-19 Academic Year: 873
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
The total number of clinical sites that graduate programs partnered with, with each single count representing one clinical site at one unique location.
2016-17 Academic Year: 789
2017-18 Academic Year: 921
The number of externally funded graduate assistants was 5.5.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Objective 4.D.1
By 2021, GVSU will increase the number of graduate programs by 20%.
Baseline
36
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
Grand Valley now has 42 graduate programs
2018 Status
Substantial Progress
Four graduate programs (Social Innovation, Athletic Training, Audiology) were approved during the 2017-18 academic year. The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy was approved to begin during the Fall semester of 2019.
Objective 4.D.2
Work with University Communications to issue at least one news release
each quarter showcasing graduate faculty and student research and
community engagement accomplishments.
Baseline
2016 - 1-2 news releases per year.
Progress
2019 Status
Achieved
University Communications issues at least one news release each quarter showcasing graduate faculty and student research and community engagement accomplishments.
2018 Status
Substantive Progress
University Communications receives approximately one news release per month showcasing faculty and student research and community engagement activities.
Objective 4.D.3
At least 30% of the institution's graduate degrees are ranked among the
top five in their discipline within Michigan.
Baseline
23% of GVSU's graduate programs were ranked in the top 5 in the State of
Michigan based on data from the U.S. News and World Report rankings for 2015.
Progress
2019 Status
Substantive Progress
A total of 31 out of 42 GVSU graduate programs are able to be ranked in a category by U.S. News & World Reports. Of those 31 programs, 8 programs rank in the Top 5 programs in Michigan. That is 25.8%.
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
A total of 31 of our 41 graduate programs are able to be ranked in a category by US News & World Reports.
Of those 31 programs, there are 5 programs ranked among the Top 5 programs in Michigan. This equates to 16.13%.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Objective 4.E.1
GVSU will increase by 5% each year the financial support for marketing
of select graduate programs.
Baseline
TBD
Progress
2019 Status
Substantial Progress
The University has increased the marketing of Graduate Programs and is currently in the process of hiring a graduate student recruiter to assist GPDs and Graduate Programs with the process of recruiting students.
2018 Status
Minimal Progress
The Marketing and Communications staff member shared by Institutional Marketing and the Graduate School was dismissed in Spring of 2018. That position has not been filled. Institutional Marketing has increased work with the Graduate Program Directors and the Graduate School.
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