PREFACE This self-study is being undertaken during a critical time in the University’s history. Frostburg State University is experiencing a number of important transitions. During the spring 2005 semester, Dr. Catherine R. Gira announced that she will be retiring on June 30, 2006, after serving as president for fifteen years. The University is also undergoing a revision of its mission statement. Although there is no substantive change, the process has focused attention on those characteristics that help to make FSU distinctive. In addition, a significant percentage of faculty members and staff are approaching retirement age. Through their dedication to the institution, their work ethic, and their commitment to students, these individuals have played an enormous role in shaping the qualities that define the institution described in this self-study. The recruitment of new faculty and staff is a major challenge facing the institution. Linking planning with strategic resource allocation has been particularly difficult during a period of statewide cost containment; however, the University has become much more thoughtful and systematic in its efforts to engage in meaningful assessment. The assessment of student learning is a cornerstone of the University’s recent revision of its undergraduate curriculum. Finally, in the past few years considerable emphasis has been given to forming partnerships with the private sector, state agencies, and various community and regional groups in an effort to make a more substantive contribution to the region’s economic, social, and cultural development. As Frostburg State prepares to welcome a new president, it is hoped that this document will serve as a valuable planning blueprint. The University Institutional Identity Founded in 1898, Frostburg State University (FSU) is a comprehensive, largely residential, regional university. It is the only four-year institution of the University System of Maryland (USM) west of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, thereby serving as the premier educational and cultural center for Western Maryland. With both a culturally and ethnically diverse student population and faculty and staff, FSU provides unique programs and experiences and a stimulating learning environment to the entire state. Because of its significant role in the System and state, FSU has a tri- fold mission of excellence in education, community service, and economic development. Frostburg State University offers a comprehensive array of high-quality and affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees emphasizing academic programs in education, business, applied science and technology, and creative and performing arts, with selected programs in the humanities and social sciences. Although the main campus focuses on traditional residential students, the University serves the diverse learning needs of nontraditional students with on-line courses, distance learning, collaborative programs and downstate centers. The academic programs promote intellectual growth with a diverse learning environment that equips learners with critical thinking skills essential to developing civic responsibility and global awareness. These programs provide “real life” experiential learning opportunities for students in virtually every discipline. Through a distinguished and caring faculty and staff, students are afforded a supportive environment which helps them complete their degrees in a timely manner. Nationally known for its programs in community service and leadership, FSU offers an array of opportunities for students to engage in regional volunteerism and service- learning activities. Through students’ internships and volunteer positions at statewide businesses and non-profit and government organizations, the University encourages practical application of classroom knowledge and promotes civic responsibility. University faculty also serve the community through educational outreach activities, hosting educational events and training programs for regional schools and businesses. In addition, Professional Development Schools serve as valuable resources for K-12 teachers throughout Western Maryland and neighboring states. FSU is also an integral component of regional development initiatives. Each college provides technical and business expertise through its faculty, students, and facilities. Faculty administer research grants, offer consulting services, and manage experiential- learning programs. Students are involved in internships, applied projects, and student-led research and problem solving. The University also makes available shared space for business incubation with an emphasis on engaging faculty and students with business to ensure the collaborative nature of all ventures. Institutional Capabilities Building on a foundation of excellence, Frostburg State University will continue to grow and to develop programs responsive to the diverse needs and interests of students and will collaborate in outreach initiatives focusing on education, public and community service, and economic development. The University holds as its primary function the provision of high-quality education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As the result of a comprehensive review of its offerings, the program of undergraduate education provides students opportunities for interdisciplinary study, collaborative experiences, service learning, and undergraduate research through both its program of general education and its majors. Graduate programs offer students additional opportunities for scholarship and research in a variety of fields. The University also recognizes its responsibility to assist the State in addressing the critical shortage of teachers and information technology professionals. Therefore, the University will seek to increase the number of qualified undergraduate and graduate students recruited to and graduating in those disciplines. Expanded curricular offerings in education and applied technology will be accompanied by increased efforts in retention in those fields. FSU also acknowledges its responsibility to strengthen public schools through the preparation of certified teacher-education graduates and K-16 partnerships directed at improving curriculum and pedagogy. Increased opportunities for the continuing education of teachers will be accomplished through the expansion of Professional Development Schools in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. In addition to its focus on teaching, the University understands fully the unique opportunities presented for public and community service as the only public four-year institution of higher learning west of the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area. Collaborations with government agencies, other educational institutions, and business and non-profit organizations address the emerging needs of the broader community. The institution's highly acclaimed programs in volunteerism and community service (AmeriCorps, America Reads, VISTA, VOICE, Learn and Serve) have brought the University national eminence. The University also uses its facilities and professional staff to bring to the region outstanding productions at both the local, national, and international levels in music, dance, theatre, and public/current events, in addition to serving as the home for a rich array of student productions. These programs draw audiences from Allegany and Garrett Counties and adjacent counties of neighboring states. Both private and University resources have combined to make the institution the premier cultural center of the region. Another integral component of public service is contribution to the area’s economic vitality. In this regard, the University recognizes its role as a major force for economic development in the region. FSU is a major employer in the area, providing a positive stimulus for the regional economy and opportunities for advanced learning for the employees of area businesses and professions. Each year the University attracts thousands of visitors to the region through special events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and commencements and through its vigorous summer programming, all of which bring additional resources to the institution and to the area. Excellent campus facilities and the expertise of University personnel also enable FSU to serve as a center for applied research in the environmental and social sciences, teaching and learning, and other disciplines responsive to societal needs. In addition to its contributions to economic development through employment and campus programming, the University plays a role in attracting new businesses to the area. University faculty are available as consultants in a wide variety of fields and specialties to stimulate business activity. The Center for Regional Progress conducts research and analyses for the local Chamber of Commerce and numerous other area agencies. The University has also earmarked Tawes Hall, the former science building, to serve as a temporary incubator/design facility designed to build the county’s base of technology- related businesses. Ultimately, the University hopes to grow the incubator over the next four years, with current tenants and/or other companies moving into new buildings in the new Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University (ABC @ FSU). Currently, the University is working with the Allegany County Department of Economic Development and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to establish