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Our Driving Forces

female student tutoring another female student
Mission, Vision and Values

Although many aspects of higher education have changed since VCSU was founded in 1890, the heart of our University has not. VCSU is dedicated to student education through our mission, vision, and values.

Core Values

Student-Focused: We place students at the center of all discussions.

Innovative: We try new things to help create the future.

Learning-Centered: We develop and sustain a culture of lifelong learning.

Collaboration: We work synergistically to advance our mission.

Engaged: We actively participate in the work of the university.

 

University Purposes

  • Deliver a quality educational experience in an engaging, innovative culture and a technology-enhanced environment.
  • Serve the best interests of our students, region, and society.
  • Lead effectively in applying information media technologies for learning.
  • Promote the appreciation of diversity and inclusion to enrich the quality of thought, discussion, and learning.
  • Award degrees in education, business, and the liberal arts and sciences.

2022-2026 Strategic Plan

Forward Together Strategic Plan Logo

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Strategic Plan Vision

VCSU will be the region’s preferred institution for students seeking transformative, quality experiences and meaningful connections.

Objective 1

An icon for the strategic plan that includes a graduation cap

Ensure VCSU grows its regional reputation as the preferred institution for an increasing number of students

1.1 Recruitment: All campus departments will identify program capacities, optimization options, potential markets, and employ growth strategies to diversify and increase student enrollments by an average of 3% each year of plan to reach projected enrollment targets, which will be reported in program updates and reviews

1.2 Advising and Retention: Engage Retention Task Force and other efforts to improve student retention by 1% or more in each IPEDS cohort each year of plan

1.3 Marketing and Outreach: Actively promote VCSU’s strengths, value, contributions, and distinctive attributes to existing and potential stakeholders and markets, making VCSU the university of choice to work, learn and grow

0 students

Total enrollment in the fall of 2023
66%
Retention of first-time full-time students in Fall 2022 cohort

0

Articulation and other agreements with 25 other partner institutions

Objective 2

Create quality experiences through innovation

2.1 Learning and Instruction: Improve program quality through instructional design standards within the digital course content environment, investment in programs and instruction, and agile and responsive curricular processes that support academic innovation and career relevance to transform career-ready graduates in a changing world

      • Process improvement and standardization
      • New programs and innovation

2.2 Innovation: Develop and pilot at least one project that encourages and supports continuous innovations leading to improved quality, efficiency, and culture

2.3 Facilities and Technology: Evaluate and align improvements in facilities and technology with campus and information technology master plans and innovation strategies

96%
Programs providing practical educational experiences for majors
99.6%
Overall placement rate of graduates based on survey respondents

0 faculty

Completing course design professional development

Objective 3

Cultivate an engaged community that supports innovation, growth, and quality

3.1 Student Engagement: Enhance quality of place, resulting in a thriving and vibrant campus community to attract and retain students

3.2 Employee Engagement: Design and implement human resources policies, procedures, and business processes enabling us to recruit and retain outstanding employees who perpetuate a flourishing culture where all stakeholders work and learn

3.3 External Engagement: Seek, build, nurture, and reinforce external relationships for VCSU’s future

85%
Students who would return to VCSU if they could start over again
72.8%
Employees satisfied with employment at VCSU

0%

Academic departments utilizing (or investigating) advisory committees