1996-2001 Strategic Plan

Introduction

This Strategic Plan is offered in a spirit that recognizes the collaborative and cooperative nature of a university community. The strategic planning process has diverse representation from the campus community and has actively sought the advice and counsel of colleagues throughout the planning sequence. The preliminary draft of the plan was shared with the campus and input was solicited and obtained. That input resulted in a number of significant alterations that are incorporated into this document. The plan even now should be viewed as dynamic and evolving rather than static. As circumstances change, corresponding changes in the plan will be necessary.

The major elements of the plan were developed after consideration of the university's environment, both internal and external, and an assessment of the values that are the guiding principles for the vision, mission and goals. The plan is the foundation upon which the budget will be constructed. The goals for the university should challenge and involve everyone on the campus in some way. Colleges and departments, both academic and administrative, will be responsible for creating operational plans that implement and support the strategic plan. The budget cycle will include evaluation of activities linked to implementing the plan.

Values

The basis for the development of the plan is a set of values which are the fabric of the institution. They are the expectations that are held in common and are reflected in the goals set forth in this plan. The guiding values are:

  • The UNI community values intellectual vitality, which is characterized by creativity, knowledge, curiosity, aesthetics, critical thinking, and wisdom.
  • The UNI community values intellectual and academic freedom, dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas. The freedom to examine diverse and controversial ideas is essential.
  • The UNI community values excellence in all of its endeavors. A continuous pursuit of quality is essential in achieving excellence.
  • The UNI community values an ethical, caring, and diverse community which is characterized by honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, empathy, equal opportunity, trust, and civility.
  • The UNI community values individual well-being, which is characterized by the development and health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Vision

The values, in combination with the context in which the University exists and the long tradition it maintains, underlie the vision for which this plan strives. The vision is presented to provide guidance for the future of UNI. In this way it gives direction that supports the values held by the campus community.

Vision Statement

The University of Northern Iowa shall be a university community that nurtures an environment of intellectual vitality. A commitment to excellence, coupled with continuous improvement, will result in UNI being recognized nationally as an innovative, dynamic, and exciting community in which to learn, teach, and work. UNI will be known for educational quality, a student-centered focus, scholarship, teacher-scholar faculty, and service beyond the campus.


Mission Statement

The mission statement of the University is a formal declaration of the role of UNI. It describes those the University serves and what it does for them. The mission is broad, but establishes a clear focus and outlines priorities to which the goals of the plan respond.

The University of Northern Iowa is Iowa's only public university that is distinguished by its emphasis on undergraduate education. The University contributes to the development of students by providing a diverse, dynamic learning environment characterized by excellence in teaching. The University supports exemplary undergraduate programs founded on a strong liberal arts curriculum and offers master's and selected doctoral programs that contribute to the intellectual vitality of the academic community. The University increases knowledge and promotes student growth through scholarship and service, and shares its expertise with individuals, communities, and organizations.


Goals

The goal areas that follow - intellectual vitality, community, resources, and external relations - are derived from the values, vision and mission above. The order in which they are presented does not indicate priority for implementation.