Strategic Initiative 1.
Pursue excellence and innovation
in the preparation of students

Introduction for Initiative I

Dear Friends: As we enter our second century of Christian higher education, we intend to pursue excellence and innovation in the preparation of students. Our academic community has as its first priority a commitment to the teaching–learning process. Consistent with our mission as a Christian liberal arts college, we will devote efforts to strengthening and expanding a curriculum that attracts and serves a larger population of students, that enhances faculty development in the service of students, that promotes and values academic life on campus, and that improves faculty communication. Specifically, the College intends to accomplish this Initiative by: Increasing the responsiveness of the curriculum to the interdependent needs of the student, faculty, discipline and the external environment; Increasing the emphasis on faculty development; Increasing the valuation of the academic process across the campus; Increasing interfaculty communication. The accomplishment of these goals will promote the continued vitality of the academic programs of the College.   Dr. Gerald D. Smith Vice President and Dean of the College

Objective: Increase the responsiveness of the curriculum to the interdependent needs of the student, faculty, discipline, and the external environment

Action Steps:

• Accelerate the evaluation and improvement of theological education. (Target dates: 1996-1998)
• Commission a task force to examine and evaluate the current academic calendar with a specific emphasis on reconsidering the value of the January term compared to other alternatives. (Target dates: 1997-1999)
• Evaluate the possibility of instituting a foreign language requirement. (Target dates: 1998-2000)
• Increase the level of release time for curriculum development and classroom research. (Target dates: 1997-1998)
• Investigate improved methods for the determination of faculty load. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Investigate curricular opportunities associated with the relocation of the county’s primary health care facility adjacent to the college. (Target dates: 1996-1998)
• Investigate and pursue specific and strategic academic alliances. (Target dates: 1997-2000)
• Investigate opportunities for the establishment of academic centers for the concentrated study of meaningful topics in Christian higher education. (Target dates: 1997-2000)
• Increase the amount of practical and service learning experiences for students. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Investigate the opportunities associated with the development of graduate level study in key areas such as education and youth ministries. (Target dates: 1998-2000)

Objective: Increase the emphasis on faculty development

Action Steps:

• Establish a strong faculty development program. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Improve and provide institutional support to ongoing assessment of the academic process beginning with the classroom. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Establish Summer scholarship opportunities for faculty research and development. (Target dates: 1997-2000)

Objective: Increase the valuation of the academic process across the campus

Action Steps:

• Identify and implement unique activities, such as an honors program or an academic day, which reward student academic achievement beyond activities currently in place. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Implement a Summer program for advanced study and research involving faculty, students, and prospective students. (Target dates: 1997-2000)
• Investigate the value of a semester abroad program for students. (Target dates: 1999-2000)
• Increase library and computer facilities accessibility. (Target dates: 1996-2000)

Objective: Increase interfaculty communication

Action Steps:

• Create a moderated faculty discussion list which routinely addresses issues of common interest to the teaching faculty. (Target dates: 1996-2000)
• Establish a monthly faculty forum which promotes dialogue among faculty with respect to the multiple areas of academic interest. (Target dates: 1997-2000)
• Establish an annual faculty retreat to promote a sense of community among members of the faculty. (Target dates: 1998-2000)

Implementation Timetables

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