Long-Term Goal 7: Excellent Reputation. Participate and excel in actions that earn national recognition for quality.
1. Data Sources for Measuring Achievement of Long-Term Goal 7:
SIUE has several sources of data regarding its reputation for excellence. The UCLA study of new freshmen asks students about why they chose an institution, including its academic reputation. The data for SIUE are displayed in Appendix 7 along with comparative data for other 4-year public universities.
U.S.News and World Report annually surveys university presidents/chancellors, provosts, and admissions directors regarding their perceptions of various institutions.
Perceptions of SIUE are obtained from other master's level institutions in the upper Midwest. The academic reputation data for SIUE are displayed in Appendix 7 along with the averages of other Illinois public master's level institutions as a benchmark.
SIUE has little or no data about its perception among the general population of the state or nation. Such data would be useful in assessing progress toward meeting Goal 7.
2. Status in Achieving Long-Term Goal 7:
SIUE's reputation has remained consistently positive as measured in America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. In 2004, SIUE achieved number-ranking for the first time in the "Top Schools" category, placing 58th out of 142 institutions. SIUE's academic reputation score was either 2.9 or 3.0 from 2002-2006. In the 2008 edition of America's Best Colleges by U.S.News & World Report,SIUE was listed among the top 10 Midwest Master's Level Universities (number 9). Currently in 2008 SIUE is ranked 46th out of 142 Midwestern Universities.
According to the Fall 2006 ACE-CIRP New Freshman Survey, while significantly more SIUE freshmen (than their peers) indicate that they are attending their first choice school (80% vs 66% for the four-year, medium selectivity universities), they are similar in citing "good academic reputation" as an important reason in selecting SIUE (44% vs 47%).
The number of completed applications to SIUE in Fall 06 continued to rise, posting an 8% increase for first-time freshman, 7% for transfer students, 6% for first-year professional students (due primarily to the opening of the School of Pharmacy), and a 13% increase for graduate student applications. Visits to SIUE for admission tours and/or events in Fall 06 totaled approximately 6,245, a decrease from the previous year although still substantially higher than 2003.
3. Highlights from FY07 in Pursuit of Long-Term Goal 7
Highlights of activities in FY07 in pursuit of Long-Term Goal 7 include:
a. The AQIP check-up visit occurred on October 25-27, 2006 and the University was found to meet the Higher Learning Commission's Criteria for Accreditation as well as the five goals of the AQIP Quality Checkup.
b. Ten presentations were offered on the University's commitment to meritorious teaching through its promotion and tenure policies, the Teacher-Scholar model, the Faculty Roles and Responsibilities Initiative, the BRIDGE process, the Senior Assignment, and AQIP at three separate AAC&U meetings, the Higher Learning Commission Annual Meeting, and NASPA Assessment and Retention Conference.
c. Undergraduate Research Academy Scholars continue to increase the number of conference presentations they make about their projects. In the past year, 17 Scholars made 20 conference presentations. The University also financially supported 73 other students to present their work at conferences.
d. Results of a market study indicate that significant progress has been made in increasing awareness of SIUE's quality academic programs and other key attributes.
4. Short-term Goals and Plans:
Fiscal Year 2008
During FY08, SIUE will focus on the following short-term goals and plans relative to Long-Term Goal 7.
a. Through the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), complete reaffirmation for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Responsibility: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Director of Assessment
Source of Funds: Existing staff time and budget
Rationale: SIUE has been a pioneer in the Higher Learning
Commission's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). The recommendation for reaffirmation will be based on the Quality Checkup (Fall 2006), Systems Appraisal (Spring 2004), Systems Portfolio, Action Projects, and annual reports (financial and enrollment data submitted each spring).
b. Successfully complete reaccreditation processes for all teacher education programs and baccalaureate programs in electrical, industrial, and computer engineering.
Responsibility: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Deans of Education and Engineering
Source of Funds: Existing staff time and budget
Rationale: The University is committed to maintaining high quality programs.
c. Promote faculty and student scholarship through presentations, publications, juried creative activities and grantsmanship to achieve national recognition as a premier Metropolitan University.
Responsibility: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, Academic Deans
Source of Funds: Existing staff time and budget
Rationale: To demonstrate the University's commitment to strengthening and communicating the scholarship of SIUE.
d. Review options for establishing an advisement program to high achieving SIUE students that actively promotes recognition by national opportunities such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater and Fulbright scholarships.
Responsibility: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Associate Provost of Academic Planning and Program Development, Asst. Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
Source of Funds: Existing staff time and budget
Rationale: Through the achievements of its students, SIUE can obtain the national recognition for which it strives.
e. Revise the Marketing and Communications plan to reflect accomplishments and FY08 goals.
Responsibility: Vice Chancellor for University Relations
Source of Funds: Existing staff time
Rationale: Delivering focused messages consistent with SIUE's goals and capital campaign goals will enhance the University's reputation.
Fiscal Year 2009
During FY09, SIUE will focus on the following short-term goals and plans relative to Long-Term Goal 7.
a. Develop a strategy for promoting the NCAA Division I transition.
Responsibility: Vice Chancellor for University Relations
Source of Funds: Existing staff time
Rationale: Build awareness, interest, and desire to attend DI athletic events on the SIUE campus.