Strategic Plan for Kentucky Higher Education, 1996-2000

Draft -- June 28, 1995

Systemwide Goals

Strategic Objectives
Selected Desired Results for 1996-2000

Provide high quality programs that respond to changing needs of the state and to the expectations for higher education to strive for nationally recognized achievements consistent with institutional missions.

(1) Identify and measure educational outcomes relative to program priorities within institutional missions which would enable students to function well in the twenty-first century.
(A) Student outcomes expected from undergraduate curricula in general education and in the major identified by every campus by 1998 and measured on an ongoing basis thereafter for routine use in program improvements.

(B) Evidence of learning opportunities where students take active responsibility for their learning (e.g., work-based experiences such as co-op, internship and practicum programs, and service learning opportunities in the major) reported each biennium.

(C) Satisfaction of students and alumni reported each biennium.

(2) Update program review and approval policies in the context of the planning goals and institutional missions and the impact of technology in the delivery of instruction.

(A) Academic program review/approval policies updated during the 1996/98 biennium.

(3) Encourage the recruitment, retention and development of outstanding faculty.

(A) Annual faculty salaries that are competitive with benchmark institutions.

Develop an educated citizenry prepared to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

(1) Provide access to learning opportunities for more citizens.
(A) By the year 2000, college going rates will exceed the 1993 statewide average (37.8%) in each region (i.e.,extended campus coordinating district).

(B) By the year 2000, the percentage of adults enrolled in credit-bearing courses at Kentucky colleges will exceed the 1993 statewide average (5.7%) in each region.

(C) Extended campus policy will be reviewed during the 1996/98 biennium and revised as necessary to ensure coordinated access.

(D) Evidence of the breadth of non-credit continuing education programs will be reported each biennium.

(2) Support the improvement of public education.

(A) Teacher preparation transformed across all related academic programs by 1997 to better support local schools, including applied learning methodologies and workplace (non-school) learning in the major.

(3) Maintain high systemwide expectations for the academic preparation of students entering college which contribute to students' academic success.

(A) A range of minimum undergraduate entrance standards based on predictors of success set by 1998.

(4) Increase the use of technology in the delivery of programs where appropriate.

(A) A policy developed in 1996 for the deployment of distance learning and other technologies which ensure maximum compatibility and interoperability among institutions of higher education.

(B) Telecommunications networks and other developing technologies with state-of-the-art instructional hardware/software readily accessible on every campus by 2000.

(C) Improved access to education through alternative instructional delivery systems documented each biennium.

Enhance efforts to provide equal opportunities in higher education to better serve Kentucky's varied citizenry.

(1) Reaffirm higher education's commitment to equal opportunities.

(A) Equal Opportunities (EO) Plan through 2000 updated in 1996.

(B) Achievement of acceptable annual progress toward EO Plan goals.

(C) Evidence of institutional reviews of gender issues.

Economic Development

Play a key role in the development of Kentucky's economy and global competitiveness.

(1) Assist in the establishment, development, and growth of Kentucky firms, including small businesses (i.e., less than 100 employees) which employ the majority of Kentucky employees.

(A) Evidence of institutional support for improving the performance of Kentucky firms and stimulating the development of new firms reported each biennium.

(B) Satisfaction of employers and other key business-related clients reported each biennium.

(2) Develop technological advancements and technology transfer to the marketplace that support Kentucky's industries' ability to compete in a global economy.

(A) Evidence of technological transfer such as patent activity reported each biennium.

(3) Focus research on areas which capitalize on current strengths that are essential for Kentucky's people and firms to compete globally in the twenty-first century.

(A) Evidence of research in key areas identified by the institutions reported each biennium.

(B) External support for research increased each biennium.

(4) Develop a workforce that can adapt to state-of-the-art technologies, learn new skills on the job, and find new solutions as problems emerge in a changing and highly competitive workplace.

(A) Satisfaction of employers reported each biennium

(5) Produce citizens who are proficient in the global dimensions of their professions and are knowledgeable of and can communicate in foreign cultures.

(A) Evidence of international issues integrated into programs to provide academic and cultural exposure to the world in which students will work and live, including foreign language requirements and international student exchange type programs as reported in conjunction with program.

(B) Evidence of ongoing professional development activities that support faculty in developing a global perspective and incorporating it into the curriculum.

(C) Evidence of graduates who are proficient in the global dimensions of their professions and who can work effectively in multicultural groups as reported in conjunction with program review.

Contribute to the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

(1) Conduct research, public service, and public policy analysis on issues which affect the quality of life.
(A) Evidence of relevant research, public service, and public policy analysis of key issues (e.g., health related and environmental issues) reported each biennium.

(2) Provide and serve as a catalyst for cultural activities.

(A) Evidence of cultural activities supported by the institutions reported each biennium.

Enhance coordination among state-supported institutions as well as with other education, government and business sectors.

(1) Improve existing and increase as appropriate the number and types of collaborative efforts.
(A) Evidence of successful collaborative efforts (e.g., the general education transfer policy, reciprocity and international exchange agreements, cooperative academic and extended campus programs, school-college academic alliances, and public-private partnerships) between:
--Kentucky public universities,
--universities and community colleges,
--public and independent institutions,
--higher education institutions and KY Tech schools,
--higher education institutions and the schools,
--higher education and other areas of state and federal government,
--Kentucky higher education and other states,
--colleges/universities and local communities,
--colleges/universities and business/industry.

Promote higher education's value in meeting the needs of Kentucky.

(1) Build greater public support for higher education.
(A) Annual evidence of ongoing Council and institutional advocacy efforts in close coordination with the Kentucky Advocates for Higher Education and other relevant groups.

(2) Demonstrate higher education's effectiveness in meeting the instruction, research, and service needs of Kentucky.

(A) Evidence that strategic plan goals and objectives guide annual operating and capital budget decisions.

(B) Accountability methods which help demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education, including statewide accountability system and appropriate campus-based student outcomes assessment systems.

(C) Ongoing program improvements based on feedback from biennial surveys of key clientele.

(3) Seek adequate and stable long-term resources necessary to provide affordable, high quality programs and physical resources.

(A) Adequate and equitable level of state funding for state-supported institutions, student financial aid programs and needed physical resources:
-- initial objective of the higher education funding model funded in the 1996/98 biennium;
-- higher education funding increase comparable to state revenue projected increase; and
-- increased portion of state General Fund to higher education.

(B) Tuition set each biennium that is fair and affordable so that Kentuckians are able to participate in higher education.

(C) Ongoing federal funding appropriate to address state needs.

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Comments on the Plan may be sent to: che%che@msmail.state.ky.us