Introduction

Introduction HLC Report October 3, 2017 Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life. Minot State is committed to its recently developed strategic plan, Empowering Generations, and its mission (stated directly above) and vision (stated directly below). Minot State University will: Deliver high-quality education where, when, and how it is needed to a diverse, multi- generational student population. Prepare students and the institution for the evolving social and technological challenges of the world. Inspire scholarship and creative activity among students, faculty, and staff. Empower graduates with a distinctive combination of professional expertise and broad- based education to support varied careers and productive lives. Since its founding in 1913 as a two-year normal school, Minot State University has evolved steadily in fulfilling its commitment to serving North Dakota and creating opportunities for its citizens. Today, Minot State University offers a wide array of high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs, including communication disorders, information systems, nursing, sports management, accounting, fine arts, criminal justice, the sciences, education, addiction studies, computer science, and so much more. Minot State University also offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in academic research, service learning, civic activities, performances, clubs and organizations, volunteerism, internships, and more. In addition, Minot State University’s tree-lined campus provides students a friendly and personal atmosphere. Students find many of the cultural advantages usually associated with larger cities, including a symphony orchestra, an opera company, three art galleries, summer theatre and mainstage productions, numerous choral groups, and a city band. Students can also stay fit in the Wellness Center, study and learn in the Gordon B. Olson Library, hang out in the Student Center, and attend athletic events on campus at the Dome or Herb Parker Stadium, or off campus at Maysa Arena, Corbett Field, South Hill Softball Complex, or area golf courses. This year’s freshmen class has an average ACT score of 22 and an average high school GPA of 3.37. They are currently participating in our First-Year Learning Communities. In August, they took part in our new Welcome Week activities as well as our first ever Student Convocation. We are excited to see what they accomplish during their time at Minot State University while they work with our outstanding and supportive faculty and staff. We also anticipate their accomplishments after graduation as they return to tell their stories as Minot State University alumni. At Minot State University, we are proud of the success of our faculty, staff, and students, and we are eager to share our story with you as a part of the Higher Learning Commission’s comprehensive evaluation. Assurance Argument October 3, 2017 Minot State University - ND - Assurance Argument - 10/2/2017 Assurance Argument Minot State University - ND 10/2/2017 Minot State University - ND - Assurance Argument - 10/2/2017 1 - Mission The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations. 1.A - Core Component 1.A The institution’s mission is broadly understood within the institution and guides its operations. 1. The mission statement is developed through a process suited to the nature and culture of the institution and is adopted by the governing board. 2. The institution’s academic programs, student support services, and enrollment profile are consistent with its stated mission. 3. The institution’s planning and budgeting priorities align with and support the mission. (This sub-component may be addressed by reference to the response to Criterion 5.C.1.) Argument Minot State University (MSU) developed a new strategic mission and vision during the 2015-17 academic years. New mission and vision statements require approval by the North Dakota University System (NDUS) State Board of Higher Education (SBHE); MSU's new mission and vision were approved at the September 29, 2016 meeting. Mission: Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life. Vision: Minot State University will: 1. Deliver high-quality education where, when, and how it is needed to a diverse, multi- generational student population. 2. Prepare students and the institution for the evolving social and technological challenges of the world. 3. Inspire scholarship and creative activity among students, faculty, and staff. 4. Empower graduates with a distinctive combination of professional expertise and broad-based education to support varied careers and productive lives. In fall 2015, under the direction of the President's Staff and led by College of Business Dean Dr. Jacek Mrozik, faculty, staff, students, and community leaders participated throughout the development process, engaging in the project council, subcommittees, and focus groups. In addition to focus groups, surveys were conducted to gather information from various stakeholders. Throughout the process, open forums were held with the campus to share information and gather feedback. Students were encouraged to attend as well. Additionally, the MSU Board of Regents discussed the draft and provided input. MSU's Office of Public Information distributed Strategic Planning newsletters to the campus. Various committees, Minot State University - ND - Assurance Argument - 10/2/2017 including University Cabinet, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Government Association, were provided regular updates on the process during their meetings. MSU presented its new mission, vision, and goals, called Empowering Generations, to the MSU community at the August 2016 Convocation. In late September and early October of 2016, Dr. Mrozik attended meetings of Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Government Association to discuss next steps and to seek volunteers to develop action items for each of the six goals. Nearly 90 faculty, staff, and students volunteered to serve on the six goal committees. Beginning in November 2016, the campus developed implementation plans with milestones, actionable items, deadlines, people responsible, and resources. In January 2017, the implementation plans were presented to the campus in an open forum. In February and March 2017, the plans were refined and announced to campus. The new strategic plan, Empowering Generations, was finalized and released on the MSU website in May 2017. Consistent with the new mission, MSU strives for educational excellence by seeking external accreditation for ten academic programs or areas. Departments/divisions assess their programs each year and make adjustments based on results. A new General Education program was implemented in 2014 and is being refined and improved over time. Faculty are highly qualified in their educational or professional experience, scholarship, and service. New faculty participate in a nine-month orientation program to help acclimate them to their new roles at MSU. Faculty can apply for small research grants to conduct research, and both faculty and staff are eligible for advanced study grants to pursue professional development. More detailed information about faculty professional opportunities is available in Criterion 3C. In 2010, MSU launched the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) to provide opportunities and support for students, faculty, and staff to enhance the higher education experience and to increase student success. Successful programs supported by CETL include first-year experience learning communities, engaged teaching support for faculty and staff, campus and community engagement opportunities for students, and peer mentoring and peer tutoring services. Recently, CETL, in coordination with Enrollment Services and a team of faculty and staff representatives, formed a committee to revise New Student Orientation. The directors of CETL and of Enrollment Services began overseeing orientation during the fall semester of 2016. An improved New Student Orientation and Welcome Week is in place for 2017-18 new students. Excellence in student advising is a priority at MSU. The College of Business (CoB) employs a full-time academic advisor for all CoB students, and CoB faculty advise students on additional academic support needs and career options. Students are highly satisfied with their advising experience in the CoB. In the College of Education and Health Sciences (CEHS) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), faculty provide the majority of advising for their students. In 2014-15, the Academic Advising Council (AAC) was established to investigate best practices in student advising. Consultants from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) visited MSU to assess current advising practices. They provided an Academic Advising Program Review Report with recommendations for improving MSU's advising. Following the visit, the Minot State University - ND - Assurance Argument - 10/2/2017 AAC formed three subcommittees: Professional Training, Advisory Syllabus, and Recognition During 2016-17, the Professional Training subcommittee offered

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