Internal Assumptions

Values

A stabilization of the administration and enrollments will help clarify the universities values. The mission needs to incorporate the new vision and desire to differentiate ourselves from the other State Universities.

Governance

The faculty will play a strong role in the governance of the University. Collective bargaining will maintain its present strength.

Administrative turnover is likely to continue.

Institutional Financial Resources

Because of the differing program costs, differential funding will be considered. Current funding formulas may change but the change may not be adequate to meet our needs. An increase in private / development funding will be necessary to make up the difference.

Academic Quality

Quality will be an important issue on campus and in the MSUS in the upcoming years, as assessment of indicators of quality begins. Discussions of quality will involve faculty, students, and community members.

Institutional Status

WSU will attempt to develop an identity separate from that of the other State University schools.

Faculty

New positions will become scarce. The total number of faculty will remain the same or only slightly increase in the next ten years, with the possible exception being at WSU-RC. With the abolishment of the mandatory retirement age, there will be an increased trend toward the 'phased retirement' option, requiring new approaches to staffing. There will be a large number of retirements in the later half of the decade.

Students

Efforts will continue to increase the percentage of minority students in the WSU population, though our location will continue to work against us. The average age of WSU undergraduates will continue to be higher than the historical average, but will not likely be higher than the average age now. The graduate student population may increase slightly, and the university will need to make a conscious commitment toward graduate education. The percentage of non-traditional and part time students will only slightly increase, as we are beginning to tap out that market. The need for retraining, though, will draw more students with specific educational needs back into the classroom.

Relationship with Governing Bodies

The State University Board will demand more accountability and assessment from WSU. Local and state elections will be important for WSU as the legislators play an important role in advocating for WSU and Southeastern Minnesota.

Space and Facilities

A change from the traditional course scheduling and calendar might be necessary because of space needs and quality considerations, though the space crunch is expected to ease some as enrollments stabilize or decline in the early 90's. Systematic and dramatic renovation of physical space will need to be done in order to create usable space in line with the university's priorities. A new library will continue to be a top priority, as will acquisition of library materials.

Curriculum

Curriculum revision will be important in light of possible changes in general education, calendar changes, as well as requirements by the SUB requirements and the achievement of Q-7 objectives. The current departmental and college structure will be maintained. Remedial courses will be decreased as incoming students are better prepared.

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