College of Applied Science and Technology STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 2018
College of Applied Science and Technology Goals and strategies Adopted by the College of Applied Science and Technology Council on December 13, 2013. STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 2018
Message from the dean A strategic plan for the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) has been developed with a clear line of sight to the University s Educating Illinois 2014 2018: Individualized Attention, Shared Aspirations. The document that has emerged is the result of an effort to validate the college vision and mission statements and to update college goals and strategies. The college s Strategic Plan is not designed to be static; rather, similar to the dynamic disciplines within the college, the plan is a work in progress requiring continuous improvement. The entire faculty and staff from the college were invited to participate in the planning process. Many responded with suggestions concerning a vision, mission, or goals that would adequately reflect the definition and direction of the college. Special commendations are due to the members of the Strategic Issues and Planning Committee of the College of Applied Science and Technology Council. Under their direction a comprehensive plan was drafted and vetted through the college for subsequent approval by the CAST Council on December 13, 2013. The college has a clearly delineated plan that will assist all units in identifying and planning programs, curricula, and their own unique identity. The plan also provides clear illumination for the purpose of defining the college to internal and external key stakeholders with an interest in higher education. I am pleased to present the College of Applied Science and Technology Strategic Plan 2014 2018. Sincerely, Jeffrey Wood Dean and Professor
DEAN S STAFF Jeffrey Wood DEAN Alan Lacy SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN Todd McLoda ASSOCIATE DEAN Kara Pool Snyder DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND SPECIAL EVENTS Heather Siegel Hartman DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Lori Fox ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Cindy Greskiwcz CHIEF CLERK Kate Plantholt COMPUTER SPECIALIST COORDINATOR Chris Andre NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR James Hearn COMPUTER SPECIALIST The college A common theme included in all academic programs in the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) is a broad liberal arts education interwoven with a dynamic curriculum. This pervasive theme prepares graduates to leave the University and successfully enter their chosen careers representing a wide diversity of opportunities. Graduates of CAST are prepared for professional and technical positions in education, government, business, and industry. Dedicated faculty members and full-time academic advisors guide students personal and academic development. CAST includes academic units in Agriculture, Criminal Justice Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Kinesiology and Recreation, Military Science, and Technology. With this diverse array of academic units, CAST is able to offer more than 30 areas of study at the undergraduate level ranging from horticulture to computer science. Included in these academic areas are 21 programs with national accreditations by professional organizations. Graduate programs leading to the master s degree are also offered in Agriculture, Criminal Justice Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Information Technology, Kinesiology and Recreation, and Technology. CAST offers a technology-rich environment with real-world experiences and hands-on learning. In most majors, students are required to complete a culminating professional experience (internship or student teaching) in approved site-based agencies or schools. When students graduate from CAST, there are few surprises, and they are ready to be productive members in the workforce. They know what to expect and what is expected of them. The vast majority of our graduates are employed in a field related to their major within six months of graduation. A major factor in this success rate is the curriculum that is constantly monitored and modified to meet the ever-changing demands of the society, education, and industry. A second major factor is that this curriculum is developed and delivered by faculty who are experts in their fields.
College of Applied Science and Technology goals GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4 GOAL 5 GOAL 6 Provide premier, comprehensive undergraduate programs. Provide graduate education programs that have a state, national, and international reputation for excellence. Maintain state, national, and international recognition for quality research and scholarship. Provide outreach initiatives that enhance the public and private sectors. Provide state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure that is sensitive to a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable campus. Attract, develop, and maintain meaningful relationships with internal and external constituencies. VISION The College of Applied Science and Technology graduates individuals skilled in critical thinking with a lifelong passion for learning and a strong commitment to civic engagement. MISSION The College of Applied Science and Technology cultivates the intellectual and personal growth of individuals through premier teaching, research, and outreach programs. We emphasize innovative relationships between theory and practice in order to graduate technologically skilled lifelong learners who can contribute effectively to their profession and society.
Goals and strategies GOAL 1 Provide premier comprehensive undergraduate programs. A. Offer each student opportunities for experiential learning, including, but not limited to, student research, service learning, civic engagement, honors programs, volunteering, internships, study abroad, and community outreach activities. B. Promote diverse educational opportunities as a means of broadening life experience, encouraging professional conduct, and fostering a cross-cultural understanding for students and faculty. C. Recruit and maintain a diverse, talented faculty of tenure-track, nontenure-track, and administrative/professional (AP) personnel, as necessary, to accommodate quality teaching and research. D. Utilize accreditations, where appropriate, to promote quality and rigor in undergraduate programs. E. Continue to emphasize career placement opportunities for all students. F. Pursue alternate delivery of courses to meet global changes, market conditions, and effective pedagogies. G. Continue and expand participation in General Education programs through curricula offerings. H. Reward activities that promote premier undergraduate education experience. I. Maintain support of student teacher and intern supervision. J. Provide resources to attract and recruit diverse, highly qualified undergraduate students. GOAL 2 Provide graduate education programs that have a state, national, and international reputation for excellence. A. Pursue graduate degrees building on strengths of selected programs. B. Pursue alternate delivery of courses to meet global changes, market conditions, and effective pedagogies.
C. Support existing programs of distinction and explore the feasibility of others in selected areas of strength. D. Provide resources to attract and recruit diverse, high-quality graduate students. E. Reward activities that contribute to exemplary graduate education experience. F. Provide resources to attract and maintain high-quality graduate faculty. G. Provide high-quality graduate programs that focus upon advanced study, research application of principles and practices, and professional ethical conduct. GOAL 3 Engage in high-quality research and scholarship. A. Strengthen available resources for scholarship, research, sabbatical leaves, grant writing, professional activities, and other faculty development opportunities. B. Provide incentives and ongoing support for interdisciplinary/intra-university research projects. C. Reward faculty through the Appointment, Salary, Promotion, and Tenure (ASPT) process for quality research and scholarship. GOAL 4 Provide outreach initiatives that are mutually beneficial to the academic community and public and private sectors. B. Establish and enhance collaborations with the private sector, schools, community, government, and nongovernment organizations. C. Encourage and recognize civic engagement. D. Establish strategic partnerships with professional and community organizations to discuss, interpret, and apply knowledge to public policies and professional practice. E. Support Science and Technology Week and continue to seek extramural sponsorship. F. Explore expansion of outreach activities that integrate and support teaching and scholarship. G. Encourage dissemination of knowledge through the news media. H. Explore the feasibility of centers that matter to enhance opportunities for faculty, students, and public and private sector collaboration. GOAL 5 Provide state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure that support a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable campus. A. Promote student technology fluency, as well as relevant faculty and staff development, in the use of technology for teaching and scholarship. B. Establish up-to-date technology and infrastructure to support teaching and research activities. C. Collaborate with university technology units (e.g., Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology) to more efficiently deploy resources. D. Explore permanent funding for additional support staff in areas of demonstrated need. E. Promote initiatives and activities that incorporate sustainable practices in support of Educating Illinois (Goal 4, Strategy 5). GOAL 6 Attract, develop, and maintain meaningful relationships with internal and external constituencies. A. Increase external support in order to guarantee an operating budget that supports academic excellence. B. Develop and deploy an effective, efficient, integrated, and comprehensive college marketing plan. C. Encourage efforts to increase local, state, federal, and private support of the college. D. Continue and expand CAST s contributions to the campus community. E. Continue and promote a commitment to shared governance. CHAIRS AND SCHOOL DIRECTORS A. Recognize and reward students, faculty, and staff involved in strategic collaborations and targeted community outreach. Robert Rhykerd Department of Agriculture Jacqueline Schneider Department of Criminal Justice Sciences Ani Yazedjian Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Jeffrey Clark Department of Health Sciences Mary Elaine Califf School of Information Technology Kevin Laudner School of Kinesiology and Recreation Andrew Bender Department of Military Science Ted Branoff Department of Technology
cast.illinoisstate.edu This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting the CAST dean s office at (309) 438-7602. An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity university marketing and communications 15-0078 printed on recycled paper