Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives of the

Montana University System

 

Mission: The Purpose Mission of the Montana University System is to deliver high quality postsecondary educational opportunities while balancing access and cost and meeting expectations for accountability that are affordable and accessible, while meeting expectations for accountability.

Vision: The Montana University System serves the citizens of Montana and the public good through a diverse community of scholars and learners. Representing a rich academic tradition, this community prepares graduates who are inquisitive, productive, and contributing citizens not only in the State but also in the larger world community.

Goals: The following five goals and subordinate objectives will guide the MUS in moving toward realization of its VISION for the future of higher education in Montana.

A.      To provide a stimulating, responsive, and effective environment for student learning, student living, and academic achievement.

1.      To assure adequate campus policies to protect academic freedom and promote the free exchange of ideas while requiring pre- and post-tenure evaluation of faculty performance and systematic program review that reflect the Regents priority on student learning.

2.      To offer academic programs and services focused around approved campus missions and consistent with available resources.

3.      To foster an environment that attracts and retains high quality faculty and staff.

4.      To improve rates of student retention and degree completion across the Montana University System.

5.      To develop, maintain at/near state-of-the-art condition Montana University System facilities, technology and infrastructure and to coordinate the use of capacities and resources across all MUS institutions.

6.      To ensure student readiness for higher education and document student competencies for graduation.

B. To make a high quality, affordable higher education experience available to all qualified citizens who wish to further their education and training.

1. To identify or seek creative funding alternatives that will expand public and private resources.

2.      To make sure that every academically qualified individual has an opportunity to receive the benefits of higher education without financial or social barriers.

3.      To expedite student progress towards degree objectives in order to reduce time to degree (and related costs) and maintain affordability for the widest range of students.

C.     To deliver higher education services in a manner that is efficient, coordinated, and highly accessible.

1. To operate as a unified system of higher education and increase productivity through effective planning, assessment, collaboration and resource sharing.

2. To increase student access to Montana University System programs through coordinated statewide delivery and expanded use of technology.

3. To increase the coordination of academic resources to improve student progress toward degree.

4. To promote diversity with special attention to Montana's Native American populations.

D.     To be responsive to market, employment, and economic development needs of the State and the nation.

1. To offer programs and services consistent with the changing market and employment needs of the state and nation.

2. To encourage basic research and technology transfer to contribute to the economic development of the State of Montana.

3. To promote the full spectrum of higher education needs and opportunities in 2-year, 4-year, graduate and professional education.

4. To make the Montana University System more accessible and responsive to businesses, government and other constituents.

E.     To improve the support for and understanding of the Montana University System as a leading contributor to the States economic success and social and political well-beingOReconomic and social well-being.

1. To improve and expand the communication and outreach of the Montana University System to constituents, communities and policy makers.

2. To meet constituents expectations for accountability through responsible stewardship of resources.

3. To expand community involvement, service and outreach initiatives at the campus level.


Operating Philosophy: In fulfillment of its mission, the Montana University System will implement this vision through


A management orientation that...

Embraces the principle of academic freedom exercised in the context of academic responsibility toward students and the larger community.

Favors policies that promote greater efficiency and effectiveness in university system programs, activities, and operations.

Encourages a market-oriented and customer-driven approach, while maintaining a service orientation toward both students and citizens in management and operations.

Promotes collaborative relationships with business, industry, community, government and other educational entities to promote the common good and to advance learning.


An operational orientation that...

Emphasizes student success, treats all students with the respect they deserve, and provides them with the services they need to be successful.

Fosters a climate where students take responsibility for their own learning and engage in both active and collaborative learning experiences.

Develops an informed, educated and culturally aware citizenry that is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century, engage in life-long learning, and lead productive lives in an increasingly diverse and global society.

Involves students in the full range of college and university activities (research, instruction, administration, public service, etc.) to enhance their learning experiences.

Uses outcomes assessment to validate student achievement and acquisition of essential skills, e.g. excellent communication skills, facility to use technology, ability to solve problems, capacity to work in teams.


A service orientation that...

Accords priority to student learning and success, quality in instruction, research and public service programs, and efficient and effective use of taxpayers investment in public higher education.

Acknowledges the importance of discovery to the advancement of society and promote a learning environment that fosters critical thinking and inquiry both within and across disciplines.

Promotes programs of study that combine theory and practice, research and service, along with hands-on and creative activities.

Serves students of all ages, from all walks of life and all Montana cultures by providing a wide range of educational experiences at the non-credit, certificate, associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral levels both on the MUS campuses and through distributed learning strategies.

Provides academic opportunities to the citizens of Montana when and where they need them and at a price they can afford.

Encourages use of information technology to advance student learning, increase access to educational services, and improve the management of resources.


An accountability orientation that...

Exercises proper stewardship of the public trust and remains sensitive to its civic responsibility.

Expects campuses to meet their civic duty and exercise leadership by serving as educational, cultural, and economic development resources in their communities, regions and the State.

Encourages all members of the university community to explore and develop international and interdisciplinary perspectives in their programs and activities and to understand the power and influence of globalization.

Remains steadfastly committed to the public good while relying upon a wide range of both public and private funding and support.