P E N N S Y L V A N I A S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N CLARION UNIVERSITY BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA 2016-2017 Action Plan
Action Plan Preface Looking to the future while understanding where we are today The System s Strategic Plan 2020: Rising to the Challenge calls for the development of detailed annual actions plans for each university for transparency and to document progress toward system and university strategic goals. By their very nature, strategic plans look to change over a period of years; in contrast, action plans are designed to look at annual changes in the university and its context. Action plans chronicle where a university has been (previous year), where it is (current year) and where it is going (in the next two years). The format for annual action plans calls for universities to detail in the context of university mission, vision and strategic directions distinctive programs and accomplishments, opportunities and challenges, trends in enrollment, student success, and financial management. Looking at action plans annually is important because proposed directions in academic program development, enrollments, and finances are often shaped and re-shaped by critical changes and emerging conditions in student markets, educational interests, and regional economies. As such, they highlight the important balance between thoughtful longer-term planning and the flexibility needed to respond to changing dynamics. Aligning institutional results and reports To present a clear picture of the university, where it has been, and where it is going, it is essential that it is aligned with existing data reports, financial information, performance funding, and annual reporting on progress towards strategic goals. Over time, it is anticipated that episodic university reports be minimized and that more of them will be incorporated and summarized within the context of action plans to provide a more thorough understanding of university efforts to meet their mission and that of the State System.
Action Plan 2016-2017 Table of Contents Preface Strategy University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy 1 Academic Programs of Distinction 6 Other Areas of Distinction 9 Strategic Goals 16 University Strengths, Opportunities and Challenges 23 Key Performance Indicators Strategic Enrollment Management 35 Performance Funding Indicators 36 Academic Programs 37 Financial Information 40
University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy University Mission - Please provide a description of your university's purpose and primary objectives for success. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is an inclusive comprehensive public university that prepares students for personal and professional success in an increasingly complex global environment. Page 1
University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy (Continued) University Vision - Please provide a description of your university's goals and aspirations for the years ahead. Bloomsburg University aspires to: Be a premier public comprehensive university, recognized as a center of thinking, learning and academic excellence. Anticipate and address the changing needs of the commonwealth. Be a diverse community that produces positive change. Provide resources to maximize opportunities for success. Be a good steward of our resources and the environment. Develop individuals to be contributing citizens. Page 2
University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy (Continued) Statement of Strategy - Please provide a description of the strategy for fulfilling your university's vision and mission, given your university's current strengths, challenges, and available resources. The section below is the Bloomsburg University Strategic Plan, Impact 2017: Building on the Past, Leading for the Future, an updated version of Impact 2015. Strategic Issue 1: Enhancing academic excellence 1.1. Create a learning environment for personal and professional success in a diverse and rapidly changing world. 1.1.1 Assess impact of current Distinctive and Innovative Programs and evaluate and review emerging Programs; align sustaining resources and philanthropic efforts with those successfully contributing to realization of institutional mission. 1.1.2 Develop curricular and co-curricular learning experiences that prepare students for personal and professional success. 1.1.3 Implement Professional U. 1.1.4 Assess mastery of core professional skills and competencies in each academic discipline. 1.2. Integrate diversity in the learning environment. 1.2.1 Expand opportunities for students educational experience to incorporate diversity, inclusion, and global perspectives. 1.2.2 Increase the access, retention, and completion rates for Pell recipients, and URM populations, including transfer students. 1.2.3 Provide personnel training on the best practices that increase understanding and interaction among diverse population. 1.2.4 Recruit and retain diverse personnel. 1.3. Implement and monitor a systematic process of assessment. 1.1.3 Maintain and enhance the institutional structure to support a systematic assessment plan. Page 3
University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy (Continued) Statement of Strategy (Continued) Strategic Issue 2: Achieving excellence while ensuring financial sustainability 2.1. Identify, examine, align and allocate resources to meet institutional priorities. 2.1.1. Continuously measure and assess the stewardship of university resources (fiscal, physical and human) to increase accountability and focus on results. 2.1.2 Invest in strategic initiatives that meet changing market demands, provide relevant academic and student support programs, and supplement the long-term economic viability of the university. 2.1.3 Maintain and refine the transparent process for communicating the budget with the university community. 2.2. Coordinate efforts to identify and develop new resources in accord with university strategic priorities. 2.2.1. Increase annual expenditures from grants, sponsored programs, and partnerships consistent with the university s mission. 2.2.2. Increase private giving through It s Personal, Bloomsburg University s $50M Campaign. Strategic Issue 3: Designing an enrollment vision in terms of demand, program mix and capacity as part of the newly established Division of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) 3.1. Assess and update membership in an Enrollment Management committee comprised of staff and faculty who will guide and support the institutional efforts to advance enrollment management initiatives. 3.2. Assess enrollment trends and projections in terms of capacity, student demographics, target populations and demand. 3.3. Develop a multi-year, budget-sensitive, comprehensive enrollment management plan that supports student access and success Page 4
University Mission, Vision, and Statement of Strategy (Continued) Statement of Strategy (Continued) Strategic Issue 4: Fostering and developing a strong sense of community 4.1. Communicate effectively among all stakeholders. 4.1.1 Continue to improve communication structure to create a more informed and engaged campus community aligned with university priorities and strategic vision. 4.1.2 Continue to strengthen relationships with campus, local and regional news media. 4.2. Create a community that accepts and supports cultural and social differences. 4.2.1 Improve campus and community participation and knowledge of diversity and inclusion. 4.3. Encourage environmental awareness and responsibility. 4.3.1 Improve community participation and knowledge of campus wide activities that support sustainability. 4.4. Improve town/gown relations. 4.4.1. Continue to improve the effectiveness of the town/gown relationships. 4.4.2. Increase number of engagement opportunities on campus and in the community. 4.5. Increase student engagement with the university and community. 4.5.1. Expand an inclusive, holistic student experience that facilitates engagement opportunities to deepen leadership development, advance a sense of citizenship and stewardship, and increase integrative learning. 4.5.2. Increase the number of students, faculty, alumni and staff engaged in service learning, volunteer and civic opportunities with organizational partners in the regional community. 4.6. Strengthen connection with alumni. 4.6.1. Connect students with alumni through Professional U, which includes internships, job shadowing, employment opportunities and recruitment. 4.6.2. Develop and strengthen regional alumni engagement. Page 5
Academic Programs of Distinction Academic Programs of Distinction - Please identify your university's top 3 or 4 Program Areas of Distinction (An Academic Program of Distinction is defined as a two-digit CIP level which includes general groups of related programs such as Business and Education. You may also use related areas that cross CIP codes such as Visual and Performing Arts or Allied Health Professions. STEM as a Program of Distinction is too broad but Technology and Engineering or Engineering and Math would be a suitable Program of Distinction.) Please provide a brief rationale or narrative as to what makes these programs distinctive. Business Bloomsburg University s College of Business received one of the largest philanthropic gifts from an individual donor in the history of Pennsylvania s State System of Higher Education. The newly named Terry and JoAnn Zeigler College of Business (ZCOB) offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) which prepares more than 1,900 students to step into leadership positions in a wide range of profit and nonprofit organizations. The Zeigler gift is intended to drive changes designed to increase students: ability to apply critical thinking skills, ability to manage innovation and change, ability to analyze business as a whole, develop strong leadership skills; enhance experiential learning and career-related learning opportunities; and expand faculty professional development support. All ZCOB programs are accredited by AACSB International, the most prestigious accreditation for business schools worldwide. Only five percent of business schools worldwide hold this distinction. ZCOB offers a range of strategic programs and initiatives, both on the main campus and at the State System @ Center City Philadelphia, that distinguish it among peer institutions: The Supply Chain Management, launched in Fall 2015, is delivered face-to-face and online. One hundred students enrolled in the major in the first year. ZCOB has expanded graduate program offerings with a new Certificate of Management, an accelerated 4+1 MBA (for outstanding seniors), a Fast-Track MBA (one-year), and a Professional MBA (part-time) in fall 2016. In fall 2015, MBA enrollments had fallen to 12 new students. One year later Fall 2016, enrollments reached 50, a 316 percent increase. These enrollments are projected to increase tuition and fees from $162,000 to $675,000 in the first year of operation, an increase of $513,000. ZOB s Certificate of Management and expanded MBA programs will also provide new opportunities for underrepresented minorities in Philadelphia while supporting local and regional businesses in northeast Pennsylvania. The Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) continues to align academic, experiential and career learning opportunities to strengthen undergraduate students educational preparation for employment and graduate study. An Introduction to Business course for first-year students provides a frame for their understanding of the different functional areas of business and how they are integrated to create an effective organization. The 2016 annual ZIPD Business Conference provided 111 sessions conducted by 90 alumni and executives. Sessions included panel discussions (38), roundtable discussions (37), presentations (20), and workshops (13). Each session was designed to provide 1,820 students with relevant professional development, career interest topics, and networking opportunities. Approximately $25,000 in sponsorship dollars increased support to the ZIPD Conference. ZIPD provides a variety of co-curricular learning experiences (CLEs) in professional development ensuring that each student has a career-related CLE during each semester, designed to help identify aptitudes and passions; choose the major that aligns passions, aptitudes and career interests; and reinforces much-needed soft skills in communication, interpersonal relations, and business etiquette. To date, 6,277 students have participated in ZIPD activities. The BSBA Accounting program continues to be one of our distinctive programs with competitive admissions, ranked within the top 15 percent nationwide for performance on the 2015 CPA Examination with two alumni placing among the top scores on the CPA examination, and a 90 percent job placement rate over the last 10 years. Graduates of the Master of Accountancy program, which has a 150 credit hour requirement, earned the highest average CPA examination score among exam takers from all graduate school programs in Pennsylvania. The BSBA Marketing program offers a minor in Professional Sales, which is recognized as one of the top 100 programs in North America. The BSBA Management program has developed an International Business major, which will be submitted to the OOC in Spring 2017. To further support the ZCOB s increasing emphasis on providing their students with global education experiences, a $500,000 gift was secured from alumnus Steven Jones to help fund international experiences. 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Academic Programs of Distinction (Continued) Educational Leadership The College of Education (COE) prepares undergraduate education majors, graduate students and education professionals to lead actively in the roles they assume within the education field. To accomplish this important goal, the COE has integrated the systems framework for Positive Behavior Support (PBS), within its academic programming in order to develop effective educational leaders who possess ethical standards and skills to address non-academic barriers to learning. These emerging and current leaders learn to promote positive, prevention-oriented activities to support healthy development and learning by all children. Training and enriched learning experiences are coordinated through the McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence in Positive Behavior Support. This year the McDowell Institute expanded its programing when Susan McDowell contributed an additional $200,000 to the Bloomsburg University Foundation to establish a Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training program. So far, 175 COE students have completed YMHFA training. A YMHFA coordinator position has been added which should increase the opportunities for outreach to our school district partners. Ninety-eight COE students have used Kognito, the software application that immerses students in a virtual classroom experience; and 146 COE students participated in World Mental Health Week Events. In 2014-2015, 65 school administrators, 473 teachers, counselors and other educational staff, and 358 BU future teachers received training through the McDowell Institute. To expand the impact of the McDowell Institute on PreK-12 education and the college experience, a certificate in socio-emotional behavioral wellness is under development. To provide additional enriched learning and research opportunities, the Institute supported ten McDowell student fellows and four McDowell faculty fellows. The objective is to provide faculty with research support and to model for students an understanding and ability to apply the principles of Positive Behavior Support. With the completion of the fellowship program, faculty are expected to prepare manuscripts for conference presentation or journal submission, and students are expected to be prepared to address the broad range of social, emotional and behavioral challenges facing teachers and schools today. Allied Health Science The Allied Health Science programs, within the College of Science and Technology, at Bloomsburg University (BU) leverage regional partnerships with healthcare providers in order to address critical healthcare needs locally, within the state and nationally, by graduating high quality healthcare providers and clinical researchers who successfully translate innovations in health care delivery into practice and policy. Several of our most distinctive health science programs, which enroll more than 1,500 undergraduate and more than 300 graduate students annually, include: The Nursing programs continue to be exemplary, with the 2016 class of BSN graduates achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), exceeding the national and state averages. A preprofessional undergraduate program in Audiology & Speech Pathology, an American Speech & Hearing Association (ASHA) accredited, nationally ranked MS program in Speech Pathology, and the only ASHA accredited Clinical Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) program in the State System (one of only three in Pennsylvania). The only ASBMB -accredited Biochemistry program in the State System. A Medical Imaging program in partnership with Geisinger Medical System and Johns Hopkins University. Accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science and clinical athletic training. The only certificate program in Intraoperative Neural Monitoring (IONM) offered in Pennsylvania and one of only three programs offered nation-wide. A certificate in intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring in the Department of Audiology/Speech Pathology was initiated with the Fall semester 2016. This 35 credit, four semester graduate program will prepare students for monitoring the status of nerve and muscle function during operative procedures. Clinical training will be completed in collaboration with clinicians at the Geisinger Medical Center. The program is fully subscribed with a cohort of 12 graduate students, resulting in approximately $100,000 in new revenue. The Council of Trustees approved two new certificates to expand our allied health offerings. The Certificate of Medical Genomics and Counseling addresses workforce demand for positions that focus on the identification and genetic mapping of hereditary diseases, as well as the provision of related client counseling. The Geisinger Medical Center, which is a principal partner for our allied health science programs, is a national leader in individualized genetic medicine. Ten students have been accepted into the program. Expansion of the program to include students as human genetic counselor assistants is envisioned. The Certificate of Pre-Medical Sciences Studies is a STEM interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students who have changed their majors and want to seek admission to medical professional schools. Importantly, each student will be assigned a Pre-Professional Advisor. Both will be offered by Fall 2017. Page 7
Academic Programs of Distinction (Continued) Speech Pathology & Audiology the ASHA accredited program in Speech Pathology has long been nationally ranked and continues to have a strong reputation for producing excellent clinicians in Speech Pathology. Students from this program have had a 100 percent PRAXIS examination pass rate (This is the national examination required for certification in Speech Pathology). In addition, over the last several years, five of the MS in Speech Pathology graduates have gone on to achieve the Doctoral degree in Speech Pathology and a current student has been accepted for doctorial study at a major university. The Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (AuD) program is unique in the State System and the graduates from this program also achieved a 100 percent PRAXIS examination pass rate in 2016. Page 8
Other Areas of Distinction Other Areas of Distinction - Please describe your university's admirable characteristics and accomplishments, including services, programs, student success, and community engagement. UNIVERSITY WIDE: Applied Liberal Learning Beginning in the first year, students are provided opportunities to engage in ethical citizenship through service learning opportunities embedded in more than a dozen liberal arts First Year Seminars (FYS) and Living Learning Communities (LLCs). Each October, the Liberal Arts Symposium engages first-year students in reflection on aptitudes and career goals and introduces them to alumni and engaged professionals who challenge them to be active owners of their academic and life choices. First-year academic programming includes Intro to Business (25 sections serving 1,040 students in 2016-2017) and Education seminars (175 students in 2016-17) as well as interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Seminars. (8 sections serving 200 students in 2015-2016; 11 sections serving 260 students in 2016-2017). In 2016-2017 the Liberal Arts Seminars underwent a major redesign to better meet the needs of Liberal Arts and undeclared students, adding a second general education point in information literacy and focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to contemporary problems. Students across all disciplines are exposed to prominent experts who deliver public and classroom lectures, linked with general education course assignments, on major domestic and global issues. These experts are sponsored or co-sponsored by such entities as the Institute for Culture and Society, Department of Economics, Center for Leadership and Engagement, College of Education, Disability Advisory Committee, College of Science and Technology, Gender Studies Program, International Faculty Association, and Center for Diversity and Inclusion. More than 2,000 students participated in these programs in 2015-2016. In the sophomore year, students can continue their engagement with the LLCs. Students assuming leadership roles and participating in the diverse array of more than 250 student committees, clubs and organizations -- such as the African Student Association, Autism Speaks U, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bloomsburg Chapter, College of Liberal Arts Student Advisory Board, Criminal Justice Society, Model United Nations, and Women Inspiring Strength & Empowerment (WISE) are provided with expanded opportunities to synthesize and apply the first-year liberal arts content to team building with others from varied backgrounds for planning, problem solving and goal achievement. In addition, they can choose to participate in Sophomore Experiential Learning (SEL) Program through Professional U, BU s overarching professional and career development initiative, designed to provide lower division students with early job shadowing in specific career fields that potentially align with their interests and developing skills. With upper division status, juniors and seniors have a range of high impact activities and capstone experiences that press them to integrate the multiple disciplinary perspectives through the lens of their chosen major. Specifically, paid and unpaid internships, practicum, co-ops, independent study, clinicals, undergraduate research, study away and abroad, prepare all majors for post-graduation opportunities. These activities and experiences, many of which are supported by Professional Experience Grants [PEGs], are specially designed to serve as pathways to advanced study. The array of self-transforming careers that rely on the solid foundation of knowledge and skills of liberal studies majors: critical and creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, communicative skills, and an intellectual curiosity/inquiry last a lifetime. The Center for Community Research and Consulting is the epicenter for high impact activities in applied liberal learning with no academic major content area being treated as exclusive of others. For example, two gifts support student and faculty experiences in the Department of Mass Communications. Thanks to a $25,000 gift from Steph Pettit 89, the department chairperson will begin working with students to create professionally produced video projects, with the goal of establishing the Bloomsburg Production Company. A second gift in the amount of $25,000 was contributed by Kerby Confer to establish a faculty fellowship for Mass Communications. The first faculty recipient plans to use the funding to transform the Bloomsburg University studentrun radio station, WBUQ, into a professional media environment to provide students with the necessary toolkit for an entry-level career in the radio industry. Page 9
Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): BU GoodWork Initiative During the 2016-2017 academic year, project leaders of The GoodWork Initiative created a mandatory Summer Assignment for 16 incoming first-year students. Through this common learning experience, the newest members of our academic community were introduced to the concept of academic good work and given the opportunity to apply their understanding of this concept to a memorable case study (i.e., Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture). Project leaders also revised and updated The GoodWork Initiative website (goodwork.bloomu.edu). The online resource is available to all students, faculty and staff for access to GoodWork -inspired activities to support curricular and cocurricular learning experiences. BU Good Work Initiative faculty project leaders also supervised two faculty-student research projects over the last year. One project explored factors that motivate and challenge psychology majors' pursuit of academic Good Work and the other project examined factors that influence student leaders' efforts to serve as role models of excellent, ethical, and engaged work at BU. Both original research projects were presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in Boston, MA. The BU GoodWork Initiative created curricula to introduce primary school and school-aged children to the concept of good work. These materials were received well by 450 children and their teachers during the Honors Program's Winter Service Trip to Jamaica as eight Honors students facilitated the daily lessons. The materials will be posted on the BU GoodWork and BU Toy Library websites, and hard copies will be duplicated for dissemination both locally and internationally. Dr. Mary Katherine Waibel-Duncan is the Miller Distinguished Professor for Good Work, which demonstrates that the University is raising dollars in support of faculty, and that the faculty are connected to our top strategic programs. In addition, the resources used to do the aforementioned programming and activities are largely funded through the distinguished professorship. Community Engagement During 2015-2016, Bloomsburg University students contributed 73,550 hours of service to the greater community, valued at $1.7 million. Students contributed 76,980 in 2014-2015, and 80,700 in 2013-14. Our Greek organizations average around 20,000 hours of community service annually and donate tens of thousands of fundraising dollars. We are very proud of their involvement in that they contributed approximately 24% of all the service hours while being around 10% of the total student enrollment. Additionally, more than 2,000 students or roughly 20% of the student body participated in the annual community service day called The Big Event in 2014, 2,275 in 2015, and 2,025 in 2016. Center for Leadership and Engagement The Center for Leadership and Engagement was established in August of 2013. The mission of the Center is to provide and facilitate opportunities through support and resources for student growth, development, involvement and learning through leadership education, engagement, and service. By participating in the Leadership Development program, students gain knowledge of core leadership skill sets, enhance their co-curricular experiences and build meaningful and sustainable relationships to positively impact a diverse campus community and beyond. The Center strives to provide a dynamic environment for the pursuit and integration of student leadership practices that foster and sustain a culture of organizational effectiveness, community engagement, and social justice. Page 10
Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): Center for Leadership and Engagement (continued) Since the Center s inception less than three years ago, more than 2,000 students have enrolled in the Leadership Certification Program. The more than 260 workshops provided by the Center have been popular for students enrolled in the certification as well as for students attending for the subject matter alone. Workshop attendance from inception to end of fall 2015 was 14,123. Participation Rates for the Center for Leadership and Engagement 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 Totals Number of Workshops Offered 136 233 251 288 908 Student Workshop Attendance 4,396 4,516 5,211 5,804 19,927 * through March, 2017 Greenly Center The Bloomsburg University Foundation, through the generous philanthropic support of Duane and Susan Greenly, dedicated a newly-constructed, state-of-the art facility in the heart of downtown Bloomsburg in June, 2015. The Greenly Center is conveniently located two blocks from the university campus, and allows the university to expand its services and academic programs into the community. The four-story building has enabled the university to secure two floors of leased space that is designed to offer academic courses and programs, noncredit workshops, workforce development programs, corporate training opportunities, seminars, conferences, and community events. Since opening the facility, the university annually serves close to 4,000 participants through its programs offered at the Greenly Center. ZCOB began offering academic courses in the Greenly Center in the undergraduate business program in Fall 2016. Seven courses served 315 students to date. The Innovation Center Bloomsburg University is currently developing an Innovation Center at the Greenly facility to assist students, alumni and community members in developing meaningful knowledge and skills for creating, commercializing, and communicating ideas. The Center will serve as an innovative curricular and business development hub for the region. Quality supports and space for the development, incubation and stewardship of unique ideas will be available. Students from any major will learn to apply strategies for innovation in their field of interest through workshops, labs, coursework, and internships. Businesses will be provided with a framework for developing products, services and technologies, as well as processes for improved production and efficiency. Collaborative endeavors between students and business leaders will emerge to foster company growth and provide students with meaningful learning experiences. Faculty, staff and administrators are developing an Innovation Center plan and budget to recommend to the president. Professional U Launched in the fall of 2013, the campus-wide mission of Professional U is to match each student s aptitude and interests to an academic major; to engage each student in high impact, career-bridging experiences; and to develop each student s confidence and professional capabilities. Aligning with MyCore, Bloomsburg University s general education learning goals, Professional U s high impact activities and experiences expand the analytical capabilities of our students, enhance their verbal and written communication skills, improve information literacy, provide exposure and understanding of concepts of culture and diversity, and build aptitude for citizenship. Professional U core programs and services include: The Zeigler Institute for Professional Development in the Zeigler College of Business, The McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence and Positive Behavior Support in the College of Education, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity program, the College of Science and Technology Career Day, the College of Liberal Arts Symposium and the Visual and Performing Arts Symposium, the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience, and the Global Education and Alumni Engagement offices. Additionally, the academic leadership in all four colleges have identified specific experiences in academic programs that align with Professional U. Professional U also provides opportunities for faculty and staff professional development and scholarship through assessment fellowships, post-baccalaureate internships, exposure to industry and alumni connections, and student mentorship. Page 11
Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): Professional U (continued) With the implementation of Professional U, 3,155 students completed an academic internship, 4,732 student users accessed FOCUS2, BU s career assessment inventory. 560 students participated in job shadowing experiences through industry sponsored road trips, and the university community has engaged approximately 1,429 alumni through 8,562 volunteer hours to impact the professional development of BU students. Additionally, Professional U has inspired $8.7 million in philanthropic gifts through the Bloomsburg University Foundation while fostering positive community and employer relationships. The Bloomsburg University Foundation received five philanthropic gifts designated for Professional Experience Grants (PEGs) that provide monetary grants to assist students with expenses associated with a professional experience related to the student s academic major and career field of interest. Since 2015, a total of $46,000 has been awarded for study abroad experiences, internships, undergraduate research, and conference papers and presentations and 31 students, representing 15 different majors, received an average PEG grant of $1,500. Students receiving PEG s had experiences in 5 different countries and opportunities for an exceptional internship in California and New York for example. Throughout the admissions process and new student orientation, parents and students are exposed to Professional U as the added value to the Bloomsburg experience by meeting alumni and students who speak passionately about their Professional U experience. We anticipate that with each student cohort, Professional U will support and boost admissions yields, student retention and satisfaction as well as graduation rates. Ultimately, as a distinctive program at Bloomsburg University, Professional U enhances Bloomsburg s reputation and brand and positions BU as an exceptional institution focused on the personal and professional success of its graduates. IT S PERSONAL, A Campaign for Bloomsburg University On October 16, 2015, Bloomsburg University publically launched It s Personal, a $50M Campaign in support of Impact 2017, the University s Strategic Plan. The Campaign priorities include Scholarships that attract talented and diverse students, faculty support that helps recruit, retain and recognize great faculty, Professional U, an initiative that combines experiential learning opportunities with alumni engagement, professional development and networking for BU students and emerging opportunities that help create and expand current and new programs. Since last year s action plan report, Bloomsburg exceeded the $50M goal early with contributions totaling $61M (a 15% increase) in cash, pledges and documented estate intentions. To date, the campaign has garnered 18,388 donors, including 162 leadership gifts (gifts of $25,000 or more), and 17 gifts of $1 million or more. Recent leadership gifts included a landmark gift from Terry Zeigler 76, president and CEO of Datacap Systems Inc., Chalfont, PA; his wife, JoAnn Schultz Zeigler 77; and Zeigler Family Foundation. Collectively, the Ziegler s contributed the largest philanthropic gift to the Bloomsburg University Foundation to name the university's College of Business. The combination of an outright $5 million gift, endowed to provide immediate support, and a deferred gift from Zeigler Family Foundation, to strengthen the College of Business, is one of the largest gifts from an individual donor in the history of Pennsylvania s State System of Higher Education. The Foundation also received a $2M gift to establish the Edwards Scholarship Award, which will benefit students at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a family member who is a current or previous member of the United States Air Force. On March 3rd, the university completed the We Make It Personal Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, surpassing its goal of boosting participation among faculty and staff from 18% to 25%. The current participation rate has reached 28.1%, and includes 122 new donors, 26 increased gifts and 78 different funds supported. Overall, the It s Personal Campaign has generated 125 newly named scholarships, nine endowed professorships and fellowships, 10 professional experience grants, 18,300 individual donors and 2,400 volunteers. Page 12
Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): IT S PERSONAL, A Campaign for Bloomsburg University (continued) The Campaign will conclude on June 30, 2017 to coincide with President David Soltz s retirement. The campaign celebration event that will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017. Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (URSCA) Summer Awards Program Bloomsburg University has committed a minimum of $140,000 annually to support the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Arts (URSCA) awards. The number of students participating in the faculty-mentored undergraduate research summer program has supported between 28 and 46 awards at a maximum award of $6,000 between the 2012-2016 years. In addition, 39 high quality applications have been received for consideration for the 2017 program. The URSCA Summer Program provides opportunities for transformative Applied Liberal Learning across all four colleges and is one of the high impact practices supporting educational excellence. Throughout the years, participation by students from the College of Science and Technology (50 percent), College of Liberal Arts (40 percent), College of Business (3-5 percent), and College of Education (3-5 percent) has been consistent. The number of participants who are classified as underrepresented minorities (URM) has increased from 3.6 percent in 2012 to over 10 percent in recent years, approaching the campus-wide URM percent enrollment at 14.9 percent. Our goal is to significantly increase participation in the URSCA Award program by URM students in the effort to provide expanded engagement and learning experiences to these students. Global Education and Study Abroad Programs Global education is a central mission target and expanding component of Bloomsburg University. A total of 168 undergraduate and graduate students will study abroad during the 2016-2017 academic year. This represents a 33 percent increase over the 2015-2016 school year. Students will participate in faculty-led trips to Central & Eastern Europe, Morocco, Italy, London, and Norway. The experiences vary by their unique disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary emphasis. The Global Education office is currently piloting COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) workshop experiences with the University of Pecs, Hungary. This University and faculty partnership will lead to the first formal interactive, web-based course offering in the spring of 2018. Multicultural and global competencies, including foreign language acquisition and cultural awareness, have provided enormous value in an increasingly interconnected world. Study abroad fosters the development of culturally perceptive citizens who engage effectively with local and global communities. Professional Development Workshops The Office of Graduate Studies and the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs offered workshops and seminars for students on topics such as Responsible Conduct of Research, International Research Opportunities, and How to Give Presentations (poster and oral). Specific programs offered for faculty professional development workshops have addressed grant funding opportunities, the benefits of encouraging undergraduate research, and round-table discussions with long-term faculty who have been able to develop successful research tracks and agenda here at Bloomsburg. In addition, a sponsored talk on scholarly publishing (from Jeff Dean, Executive Editor at Harvard University Press) is scheduled for late March 2017 for faculty as well as students planning on an academic career. Page 13
UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) Center for Community Research and Consulting Since its inception in the fall of 2012, the Center for Community Research and Consulting has enjoyed considerable success. A total of 45 projects have been conducted through or with the support of the CCRC. The CCRC s applied social science work benefits communities close to Bloomsburg University (e.g. the Berwick Elm Street Community Development Study) as well as the broader region (e.g., research on Marcellus Shale Development) and state (Rural Homelessness Project). Interdisciplinary projects have been led by 18 faculty mentors from eight different departments across all four colleges. More than 335 students have participated as volunteers. Examples of projects are a study of BU student perceptions of the relationship between civic engagement and environmental issues. In addition, several faculty have created consultancies, which will become small businesses in the proposed Innovation Center at the Greenly Center. Second Chance Pell Program The recidivism rate in the Pennsylvania Corrections System is alarming, with six in ten released inmates returning to prison within three years. In an effort to create a pathway back to productive membership in the Commonwealth and improve the quality of life of all residents, Bloomsburg University is delivering an innovative 24-credit interdisciplinary Certificate in Rehabilitative Justice to incarcerated students at two State Correctional Institutions (SCI): Muncy and Mahanoy. The university is one of 60 institutions nationwide approved for participation in the federal Second Chance Pell Program. The certificate grows out of the university s successful Inside-Out program held in a prison classroom, in which 20 BU social science majors and 20 SCI Muncy inmates jointly completed coursework focused on issues of gender, incarceration, and rehabilitation. The Rehabilitative Justice certificate program is designed to support gainful employment and further education by providing an organized academic program. The certificate provides theoretical knowledge and skills which supports the current Peer Support Training received by some inmates within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The certificate is also a foundation for parolees and traditional students who want to pursue two-year and four-year degrees in preparation for high-demand occupations such as behavior specialists, social workers, and youth care workers. The 24-credit certificate program will be delivered over the course of four academic terms. Students will enroll in two three-credit courses per term. Eight SCI Muncy students and eighteen SCI Mahanoy students are currently enrolled. Anchor Program The Anchor Program will leverage the transformative power of public higher education to improve outcomes for youths aging out of the foster care system. A disproportionate number of aged-out youth end up in the corrections system. This program represents a preventative initiative by the university. A group of youth in the Pennsylvania foster care system will participate in a one-week, residential summer experience on the Bloomsburg University campus. The targeted youth is age 15-18. The program is under development, with anticipated implementation during the Summer 2017. Page 14
Other Areas of Distinction (Continued) UNIVERSITY WIDE (continued): SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Digital Forensics and the Digital Forensics Major Home to the only digital forensics BS degree in the State System and one of the first established nationally, students, businesses, agencies and organizations turn to Bloomsburg University for educational programs and digital forensic services. The program has seen steady growth to 190 students, which is up five percent per year for the last five years. A Center for Information Assurance was established in 2016, and the program was designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Digital Forensics by the department of Homeland Security/NSA. Since 2015-2016, the program has sponsored BloomCon, a national symposium for digital forensics. The symposium attracted 200 professional participants nationally. An online certificate in Digital Forensics is under development with military, veterans, National Guard and law enforcement personnel as the target audiences. Work force gap analysis indicate that persons with documented expertise in digital forensics and cybersecurity are in extremely high demand. Our students enjoy 100% job placement. Two new majors are under development to support identified workforce demand in specific careers. A B.S. degree in Web Development will complement offerings in Instructional Technology and Information Management by focusing on computer science skills associated with the design and implementation of web sites. Workforce gap analysis indicates a large and continuing shortage of professionals with these skills. The target date for implementation is 2018. A B.S. degree in Data Science will support one of the most vibrant and growing fields in mathematics, statistics and information technology. The quantity of information available has changed the nature of how we operate and what questions can be addressed. A pilot program is underway, which enables student to collaborate on projects in genomics with experts at the Geisinger Medical Center. Workforce gap analysis indicates a large and continuing shortage of professionals with these skills as well. Bloomsburg University cdna Resource Center The BU cdna Resource Center (www.cdna.org), established in 2015, accelerates scientific discovery in human biology and pathology by providing cdna clones of human proteins involved in signal transduction processes to scientists throughout the world. In its first six months of operation, the Center provided 563 clones to scientists at 103 institutions on four continents. Profits from clone sales totaled $151,541 as of January 2017, which is an 83 percent year over year increase. The profits have been used, as originally planned, to fund student research, faculty development, and other college initiatives. Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership (BAS TL) Bloomsburg University continues to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership in partnership with community colleges and technical high schools. The program continues to meet workforce needs by providing multiple pathways to the baccalaureate degree for associate level graduates. Student enrollment increased by 40 percent to 104 students. Students are able to complete the program as full-time and part-time students. This program has enjoyed exponential growth. Initially offered as a career path for A.A.S. graduates, the program is offered now as a Technical Leadership major on campus. The program features interdisciplinary training in technology, leadership, communication, and business, and graduates enjoy employment in a plethora of developing fields. Page 15
Strategic Goals University Strategic Goals Please describe the initiatives/strategies that will drive improvement towards university goals. Please include how your university goals align to the System strategic goals below. 1. Ensuring academic program excellence and relevance. 2. Enabling more students to obtain credentials that prepare them for life, career, and the responsibilities of citizenship. 3. Developing new funding strategies, diversifying resources and managing costs to preserve affordability. Initiatives and strategies should address mitigation of financial risk. 4. Increasing accountability and transparency, focusing on results and key performance indicators. University Goals Goals and Strategies from the Bloomsburg University strategic action plan, Impact 2017, to implement System Goal #1 (Ensuring academic program excellence and relevance.) BU Strategic Issue 1: Enhancing academic excellence 1.1 Create a learning environment for personal and professional success in a diverse and rapidly changing world. 1.1.1. Assess impact of current Distinctive and Innovative Programs and evaluate and review emerging programs; align sustaining resources and philanthropic efforts with those successfully contributing to realization of institutional mission. 1.1.2. Develop curricular and co-curricular learning experiences that prepare students for personal and professional success. 1.1.3. Implement Professional U. 1.1.4. Assess mastery of core professional skills and competencies in each academic discipline. 1.2. Integrate diversity in the learning environment. 1.2.1. Expand opportunities for students educational experience to incorporate diversity, inclusion and global perspectives. 1.2.2. Increase the access, retention, and completion rates for Pell recipients, and URM populations, including transfer students. 1.2.4. Recruit and retain diverse personnel. 1.3. Implement and monitor a systematic process of assessment. 1.3.1. Maintain and enhance the institutional structure to support a systematic assessment plan. Page 16
University Goals (Continued) Strategic Goals (Continued) Goals and Strategies from the Bloomsburg University strategic action plan, Impact 2017, to implement System Goal #1 (Ensuring academic program excellence and relevance.) (continued) BU Strategic Issue 3: Designing an enrollment vision in terms of demand, program mix and capacity as part of the newly established Division of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) 3.2. Assess enrollment trends and projections in terms of capacity, student demographics, target populations and demand. 3.3. Develop a multi-year, budget-sensitive, comprehensive enrollment management plan that supports student access and success. BU Strategic Issue 4: Fostering and developing a strong sense of community 4.5. Increase student engagement with the university and community. 4.5.1. Expand an inclusive, holistic student experience that facilitates engagement opportunities to deepen leadership development, advance a sense of citizenship, stewardship and increase integrative learning. 4.6. Strengthen connection with alumni. 4.6.1 Connect students with alumni through Professional U, which includes internships, job shadowing, employment opportunities and recruitment. 4.6.2 Develop and strengthen regional alumni engagement. Page 17