Excellence

The University of St. Thomas, as a “teaching university,” manifests a commitment to excellence on the part of faculty, staff and administration in educating students who “think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.”  In our undergraduate and graduate programs, we cultivate life-long learning through the practice of active learning strategies that promote intellectual curiosity and combine the analytical skills of a liberal arts education with the practical skills that are part of career preparation.  We acknowledge that development of the St. Thomas learning community requires students, faculty, staff and alumni/ae to be fully dedicated to the highest quality education at every level, and the creation of an educational experience at the undergraduate level that is infused with active learning techniques, and is integrative of campus and community.

Rationale:

“We value intellectual inquiry as a life-long habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms. . . . We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking.” 
-UST Convictions, #1,2

As it pertains to students, excellence is defined in terms of their ability to meet the challenges of academic rigor and intellectual inquiry as modeled by the faculty.  Students, faculty and staff ought to engage in intellectual discourse within and outside the classroom “in such a way that there results a growth in [their] ability to wonder, to understand, to contemplate, to make personal judgments, and to develop a religious, moral, and social sense.”                              
-Ex Corde Ecclesiae, Section 23

Strategic Priority 1:

The University of St. Thomas will further develop a campus environment wherein all students are challenged to develop intellectually, personally and spiritually to remain life-long learners and morally responsible citizens.

Indicators of achievement of this priority

• St. Thomas undergraduate students are highly competitive for admission to the best graduate and professional programs
• Graduate programs are recognized locally, regionally, and nationally as leaders in their respective fields
• Student engagement with the campus and local community as well as with the national and global communities significantly increases
• Graduate and undergraduate students are increasingly successful in competing for  desirable, post-graduation employment and promotions
• Facilities and equipment necessary for a rich learning and healthy living environment are in evidence throughout the institution
• Technology makes learning opportunities more varied and available
• Faculty partnerships with staff create a seamless curricular/co-curricular experience for students
• Surveys, such as the National Survey of Student Engagement, indicate significant increase in the quality of relationships formed among students, faculty and staff, and in understanding and interactions among people of different backgrounds
• Active engagement of parents in campus community life is increased
• Alumni/ae will be actively engaged through contributions of time, talent and resources in the life of the university
• Curricular and co-curricular activities will enrich our students' spirituality and understanding of their chosen profession as an expression of vocation or "calling."

Strategic Priority 2:

We will develop and execute a comprehensive plan for the fostering of academic excellence for all students at the University of St. Thomas.

Indicators of achievement of this priority

• St. Thomas is recognized as a leader in active and community-based learning
• Surveys, such as the National Survey of Student Engagement, indicate significant increase in the level of academic challenge, in active and collaborative learning, and in enriching educational experiences for undergraduate students
• Curricula and teaching are continually updated and enhanced to respond to external needs as evidenced by successful outside reviews and accreditation
• Student retention and graduation rates increase across all programs
• Integration of curriculum and collaboration across disciplines is prized and enhanced
• Personal attention to students is fostered in the classroom, and through mentorship and individualized faculty and staff attention outside the classroom
• The quality of scholarship in the broad sense: scholarship of discovery, integration, application, and teaching, is enhanced and enriches classroom learning

Strategic Priority 3:

The University will hire and retain a diverse faculty and staff of the highest quality in order to enrich the teaching and work environment and to provide appropriate mentors and role models for all students.

Indicators of achievement of this priority

• Percentage of historically underrepresented groups among faculty, staff, administration and members of the board of trustees is significantly increased
• Turnover among persons of color and other multicultural faculty and staff is reduced
• Faculty, staff, alumni/ae and professional community members will be actively engaged in supporting and mentoring students as they progress toward their degrees
• Leadership is cultivated from within; opportunities for development and advancement at St. Thomas are readily available

Strategic Priority 4:

We will improve academic and administrative processes, systems, and policies to enhance effectiveness and eliminate waste and duplication; and develop budget and resource allocation strategies that reward progress toward institutional goals and priorities.
 
Indicators of achievement of this priority

• Human, fiscal, technological and physical resources are focused to support the institution’s emphasis on excellence and its strategic plan
• High performance is rewarded, the competitiveness of compensation at St. Thomas with the market enhanced, and the quality of the work environment and services is improved
• Academic programs are continuously enhanced and programs that no longer meet institutional needs are eliminated.