5 Questions
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Cutting edge employment opportunities
Majors programs that are growing
focus on majors/programs with a job
Seems like this has been accomplished.
Thought starter: See CHE article: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchronicle.com%2Farticle%2FElevator-Pitch-for-a-Women-s%2F234806&token=v8QYSSwxxuu0gCcnOompO0KOscXyl0pWHsmF5W2%2Foyk%3D
Agnes Scott College, a small liberal arts college for women, refocused its curriculum (not just their marketing) to emphasize leadership and global awareness. Those topics were the most popular in a market survey of high school women. (For example, every freshman will travel in their spring semester, most overseas.) The faculty, administration, and Board supported the change. They realized they needed a unique program that could distinguish them. Enrollment has grown.
What might be a focus for SIUE that would appeal to prospective students? What do we already do well that could be expanded across the curriculum? What is our "big idea"? What do we want to be known for?
I think SIUE should add a Hospitality Program to its collection of already relevant and dynamic programs.
Here is my very rushed list of reasons for suggesting the idea.
Here are my reasons:
1. MRF hosted by SIUE exhibited that during a time where trends of certain genre of music was coming of age along with traditional, SIUE took a lead in our area along with KSHE radio according to a documentary on public television channel 9.
2. Currently a Facebook page is dedicated to memories of MRF exhibits the impact it made on the area and to the different musicians and singers who performed there.
3. There is a need on this side of the river for education in Hospitality such as management, staff training and even planning of cities, presentation of restaurants and possible entertainment venues, especially restrooms and gather spaces. I don't know but I would think there would be new revenues if a comprehensive program was added to fill a need and improve many areas of the region.
4. SIUE has always been a ‘front runner’ for hosing events, cultural , educational, entertainment and I really feel this is it’s best kept secret aside from the multitude of talent and interesting Teacher Scholars.
5. Alton, form example for years now since they decided to add the gambling boat has tried to be a tourist city. Alton is so rich in history on so many levels. They in my opinion need the help from the students of and an educational program in Hospitality. This would span so many other areas even health and fitness, business (of which I think is where most colleges house it).
6. There may be many other examples, but I really think the University and the region could desperately benefit financially as well as culturally by adding a Hospitality Program to their collection of already relevant and dynamic programs. As an observer, I think this is necessary, but as an institute of higher education do you think it is a feasible proposal for the area and SIUE?
7. The fact that Edwardsville is a college town, it needs some guidance from models of successful college towns from a Hospitality Program. If there are none, maybe SIUE could design some models using Edwardsville as an
example.
8. SIUE hosts events such as Arts & Issues among others (probably too many to mention) and utilizes student employees. Fundraisers could use guidance from Hospitality. And one of the continuing issues that could really use help in regards to hospitality is parking availability and convenience for events such as the Art Events held in the Art & Design building. A Hospitality program could utilize enrolled students excellent hosting and services while they gain experience in the field.
the technical answer -- through the Faculty Senate.
the practical answer -- regionally (75 mile radius?)
what programs are needed in this area that are not over-served by other universities in the area?
if the universities in the areas each need 20 majors in a field every year and there's 5 such schools, so at least 100 people graduating with that degree each year -- but only 60 new jobs in the area...and it is the type of degree that is job focused -- then maybe we shouldn't offer.
if the degree is not designed to generate professionals but simply for betterment of individuals and society -- then focus on if we have enough people interest BUT there are some fields that any reputable university must offer. Those departments should receive recruiting assistance -- that is departments that don't have enough majors but any reputable university has, should receive higher admin assistance in getting more students.
1) Create a mission statement that is unique to SIUe. Based on where we are at, that mission would look like "a professional school experience that prepares students for the future through a comprehensive liberal arts background."
2) allow programs time to adapt to the new mission. Programs that cannot adapt are "yellow carded"
3) look at the cost of running the program vs other Illinois schools, if the cost is significantly above average, "yellow carded"
4) look at programs that have some national accreditation or rankings. Compare to other Illinois schools. If ranked low, "yellow card"
5) Number and retention of graduates compared to Illinois averages. If low, "yellow card"
6) Programs that collect two or more yellow cards should be reviewed via SIUe's assessment process.
If we are to remain an institution that serves the region and has a core of liberal arts and sciences, we need to support a broad range of programs. It is not just about numbers - public education is about the greater good both for society and individuals. Clearly we need to make cuts, but why are we looking to cut at the academic heart of the University? Why are we not cutting non-academic areas and reducing students fees so more funding can go to academics? Why are our sports programs the 19th most expensive in terms of student fees in the country? These are the things that should be cut first, yet some things appear to be sacrosanct. Our priority should be academics - the full range of academics. We need to decide what we value and what our future is, and individuals should not be allowed to continue to wield the kind of power they have amassed.
Grow the ones with the most demand. Maintain the ones that are core subjects of any liberal arts and sciences university. Consider consolidating other departments.