UIU Strategic Initiatives
Progress Summary (note: Italic means in progress) as of February 2010
1. Introduce policies and programs that create the seamless movement of students and faculty.
(Aungst)
- State Department J-1 Program designation received in April 2008, allowing foreign nationals and exchange students from UIU campuses overseas to get temporary work and study visas to come to the United States.
- A lead implementation team (Aungst, Chown, Duffy, Frazier) has been formed to oversee the academic and administrative initiatives. Several working groups with specific action plan objectives have begun work. Work in progress is reported below.
- Implementation of systems, processes, and policies is in place to transform the UIU HK operations to similar, if not identical, to those at our domestic academic centers.
- Business majors are now aligned across the university.
- Alignment of terms and registration for all modalities is in progress.
- o CDE and NCR schedules in alignment with the Fayette campus beginning 09-10 academic year.
- The IT department created a process to allow the Hong Kong center director to submit a file (on a monthly basis) containing GL account information that the UIU controller can import into the Jenzabar EX Business Office module for budgeting purposes. Completed November 2009.
- The IT department developed a working plan to upgrade current center technology to more closely align the Hong Kong center with UIU’s AE centers. This plan is awaiting approval to move forward.
- CFO team members are leading or involved with a project looking into a university wide document imaging system.
- In Spring Term 1, offered the Fayette Campus students the option of purchasing their textbooks online through MBS using a voucher system. The process will be refined and tested again in Spring Term 2. Once the process is working smoothly, will look at the feasibility of extending this option to the Academic Extension students.
- Team members are leading or involved with a project looking into a university wide document imaging system.
- Developing a replacement system /process for our current centralized calling tree and create a decentralized call center for incoming calls.
2. Challenge the curriculum & pedagogy to achieve the vision objective of “developing global citizens.”
(Chown)
- Goal established to integrate multiple cultural learning perspectives into curriculum with faculty exchange program for Fayette Campus, and domestic/int'l centers; procedures are under development.
- Comprehensive assessment of gen ed requirements is complete, evaluation process of outcomes in place via “The Tome”; AQIP action project to align majors is underway.
- The International Business major began in fall 2008, with the hiring of a full-time International Business faculty member.
- AQIP informal initiative team working on refining “global citizen” for use in assessment of majors and co-curricular activities.
3. Comprehensive quality enhancement of the academic program.
(Chown)
- Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty in place (SI 3.2.e).
- The formation CC/GCC provides unified cross-representation for curricular matters. AGCC reviews non-curricular policy, Facilities Committee tracks space/housing support (SI 3.2.b, SI 3.2.f).
- Integration of Project 1100 and Strategic Initiative 3 underway (SI 3.2a).
- Specialized program review and outcome assessment to begin upon completion of “global citizen” refinement (SI 3.2.b).
- Academic Extension continues to integrate full-time faculty into centers and distance education programs (seven fulltime faculty currently, four positions to be filled).
- New Liberal Arts Building Sloped roofs are water tight and the office wing of the building has been framed and sheeted. The project is 30% complete and on budget and on schedule to complete August 2010.
- Science renovation/expansion programmatic planning complete. Ready for fund raising phase.
- Resource allocation for maintaining student faculty ratio resulted in five new faculty from spring 2008 to fall 2009.
- Division of Education (Teacher Education Program) is currently preparing the Institutional Review in preparation for the site visit by the Department of Education to be done in April 2010. This will be done for the re-approval of licensing.
- Renovations to upgrade the capabilities of the Tutor Center were completed April, 2009.
- Smart Thinking on-line tutoring software, serving 40 students, is being evaluated.
- The IT department is working with the various new building design groups to ensure that building and classroom technology is aligned with the concept of a global citizen.
- The IT department created a page on myUIU as a gateway to an online tutoring service called Smarthinking. A process was designed to create user accounts allowing AE students access to this service.
- The IT department designed a program that retrieves current student, faculty, and course data from UIU’s Jenzabar EX database. This information is sent to eCollege allowing student and faculty access to UIU’s online delivery platform eCollege.
- The IT department created a new email domain (@faculty.uiu.edu) for adjunct faculty members and successfully transitioned all UIU online adjunct faculty members to the new email domain. An action plan is underway to transition all other adjunct faculty members to the new email domain.
(Frazier)
- Development of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program through the Division of Liberal Arts and Office of International Programs; approved through academic pipeline in February 2009. The ESL program is fully operational with the first cohort of student. The program continues to develop various ways to engage students in English speaking opportunities. The second cohort for ESL commenced on January 11, 2010 with 20 students enrolled.
- Implemented a new cultural awareness plan that includes monthly International Food Dinners at the Fayette Campus, a revamped International Programs website and a quarterly International Programs Newsletter. Completion date was March 1, 2009 .
- The Office of Student Development in conjunction with Academic Extension has developed a Student Needs Assessment and surveyed AE students using their peacock and their privately held email addresses. Awaiting results.
- Student Government has met with VP for AE, Dr. Duffy to receive information about the AE organizational structure. From that discussion, they are developing officer job descriptions and process of information flow that will address the needs of AE students to Student Government.
- Research scheme in place to analyze the co-curricular needs of students at the domestic and international sites and define “global citizen” as it relates to the student development for all students. Projected completion date for research is May 1, 2010.
- Athletics Department has developed internal policies to help enhance the enrollment of international students, including implementation of tryouts for ESL students and campus visit programs from international sports delegation (i.e. Japan). Established Fall 2009.
- A new task force for the Strategic Initiative 4: Co-Curricular (TF-SICC) was formed with representatives from across all UIU modalities and operations including student representation for Fayette and the Academic Extension. Established October 2009.
- Clubs formed on Malaysia campus: Psychology; Finance (selected as finalist to compete in the Future Leadership Program – Business Challenge 2009, sponsored by Asian Wall Street Journal and the CIMB, one of the largest banks in Malaysia; club placed 5th in competition); Communication; Human Resource Management; Business Administration, Management, Marketing; Photography; Fayette House, CHEER Team.
- The Office of Student Development with International Programs, Athletics, AE and Food Service have formed a team to develop a common programming effort that will increase our partnerships and broaden our “global citizen” programming efforts to all students. Established Fall 2009.
- The TF-SICC is evaluating possibilities for international opportunities for adult learners and AE and IP are reviewing recent reports and studies on engagement of non-traditional learners in study abroad.
- The Office of International Programs hosted Mr. Frank Garbutt, President of St. John’s College, Belize. Upper Iowa University and St. John’s College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will result in service learning and study abroad opportunities for students from both institutions. Established November 2009.
- Creation of the International Student Association (ISA) on campus in Fayette for international and domestic students interested in global understanding and communication. Created August 28, 2009.
- Alternate Spring Break in Rancho Dolores, Belize through collaboration between IP and OSD will occur March 6 – 13, 2010. Twelve students and three staff members will participate in the program. Fundraising is completed with students raising money for travel and supplies for service projects. Staff and students continue to participate in pre-departure cross-cultural training and orientation. A blog on UIU's website has been started detailing preparation for the trip, as well as events and updates during and after spring break.
- Student Union Building – Roof decking of the East sloped roof is complete and the West roof decking continues to be installed and underground utilities continue with the building being 18.5% complete to date. The project is on schedule and budget to complete January 2011.
- Student Housing –2nd and 3rd floor decking has been completed. The roof truss installation has begun and the basement slab is complete. The project is on schedule to be complete August of 2010
- OSD staff members developed skill sets/programming and timetable to allow students to achieve “global citizenship”. Established Fall 2009.
- The first annual International Education Week was celebrated at UIU from September 13-18, 2009. The week was highlighted by international dinners at the Fayette Campus Cafeteria, an international panel on “global citizenship “and the International Education Fair on September 18th. Completion September 18, 2009.
- The Lunar New Year was truly a global celebration at UIU. UIU students across the globe celebrated the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Fayette. From Ang Pow in Hong Kong, Pete the Peacock dressed in red in Malaysia & a celebration in the cafeteria in Fayette. The Lunar New Year was the featured UIU digital view on March 3, 2010.
- The Recreation Center is hosted various international sports event. Purpose of event is to expose all students of international sports; i.e., cricket, badminton, and ping pong. Established Fall 2009.
- A Martin Luther King Day celebration was organized by the Fayette House club in Subang Jaya, Malaysia January 18-22, 2010. The Fayette House club in addition to the rest of the student body was able to participate in various events celebrating and increasing awareness of Martin Luther King. On campus events included a short video presentation of the famous “I have a Dream” speech, distribution of informational flyers and a board to display student’s dreams. This event was held to raise awareness of Martin Luther King and the impact he had on American history/culture.
- Student Government has created and elected a position which is titled Academic Extension Officer. Establish Spring 2010.
(Morris)
- Improve staff training and productivity
- Training of remote staff continues both on campus and off. Randi Martinez (Milwaukee) and Meredith MacKay (Rockford) both received on-the-job training at National College Fairs in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee.
- Three staff members attended the College Board National Forum in New York. They took part in a wide variety of sessions dealing with recruitment, retention, and financial aid strategies.
- VP Morris accompanied Anne Fattig to Omaha, in order to acquaint her with this new territory and to facilitate introductions to the counselors with whom she will be working.
- Staff participated in UIU Professional Development Day activities.
- Staff attended the College Board National Forum
- Staff attended the National Orientation Directors Association National Conference
- Improve search strategies
- We contract with Noel-Levitz and NRCCUA to create a predictive model to use with our searches. As we purchase names, they are scored through the model, allowing us to focus our efforts on students who are most likely to respond. We are creating an email campaign to reach out to our search pool that will be an HTML message with embedded video. The campaign is being created by Mudd Advertising, in Cedar Rapids.
- In an effort to reach out to students who will be eligible to receive academic scholarships from UIU, our search criteria include those students who scored at least an 18 on the ACT, and who have a high school GPA of at least 2.75. This allows us to send them a message that carries the promise of money, and improves our “open rate”.
- Met with a College Board representative at the National Forum in New York to discuss our use of Advanced Placement test scores, and means by which to contact prospective students as early as 9th grade through the strategic use of College Board products.
- HUB Concept a new Student Center
- Implement the integrated marketing strategies/initiatives through MARCOM
- Over the past several months, we have worked closely with MARCOM to design and implement marketing campaigns that will appeal to students and families.
- We have worked closely with MARCOM to revise and redesign specific publications to make them more informative and visually appealing.
- We are currently involved with MARCOM’s redesign of the university website.
- We work closely with MARCOM to advertise in high school newspapers in selected markets.
- AE is maximizing marketing resources to cross-promote all modalities.
- Work closely with MARCOM to improve the focus of target marketing on Fayette campus prospects (other than prospective student-athletes) and achieve better results
- We are currently working with MARCOM on a number of initiatives, as noted above, and will continually monitor the effectiveness of the campaigns we conduct.
- Each initiative we develop is targeted very specifically, whether to prospective students, parents, or other influencers.
- Completed photo shoot for Hypercasting project with Mudd Advertising, which will push promotional videos to prospects via email.
(Smid)
- Interactive Video Services
- Interactive Video conferencing installations have been completed and are operational (ready to use) at Waterloo, Des Moines, and Fayette. Completed 04/2009.
- Server Virtualization
- All major and critical servers have been successfully virtualized as part of the disaster recovery plan has allowed us to reduce the number of physical servers in the data center. Completed 3/2009
- Continue to develop virtualization environment and storage system. Ongoing.
- Network Analysis Tools
- A network analysis tool was acquired and installed to assist with network traffic examination, infrastructure device analysis and documentation. Completed 02/2009
- Hong Kong Center
- Recent testing allowed the Hong Kong staff to connect and access campus resources on the university’s network. Completed 4/2009. However, further capacity planning is needed to support the entire Hong Kong center. Ongoing.
- An inventory of technology equipment at the Hong Kong center has been completed. 04/2009.
- Hong Kong staff members are now a part of the UIU email staff distribution lists. Completed 04/2009.
- Server and Storage Technology
- Two new physical servers were purchased and installed; five new virtual servers were created and several existing physical servers were successfully upgraded.
- The latest virtualization software was successfully installed which provides enhanced capabilities for utilization and performance monitoring.
- For data storage, three new trays and fifty-two additional hard drives were successfully installed to the existing SAN (storage area network) which allows for the creation of new virtual servers, data storage for end-users, and enhanced data backup capabilities.
- Fiber Optic Network
- A new fiber optic network was designed and approved to overcome the existing fiber network weaknesses. This design will require new conduit to be installed that will house the fiber optic cabling. Completed October 2009.
- Bids were reviewed and vendors selected for the installation of the conduit and fiber optic cabling. Completed October 2009.
- Completed installation of new conduit and fiber optic cable for all existing buildings on the Fayette campus. Termination and testing of the new cabling is underway and has a tentative completion date of March 2010.
- Core Network Data Switches
- The Fayette campus core network switches are five years old need to be upgraded to provide greater flexibility, make use of new switch technology and redundancy. Redundant fiber paths and core switches are very important for our disaster recovery plan.
- New equipment was identified and the I.T. department reviewed competitive bids, selected a vendor, ordered and took delivery of equipment. Completed December 2009.
- Implementation of network equipment began in January 2010. Nine of the twelve buildings have been updated. Project has a tentative completion date of April 2010.
- Improve critical server uptime
- Begun process to introduce server clustering in an effort to improve server uptime.
(Khoury)
- Marketing
- Have Issued a Request for Proposal for a consultant to help develop an Integrated University-wide Marketing Campaign; proposals have been received and are being evaluated prior to vendor selection
- Continue to explore the feasibility and advisability of developing a 3-D interactive virtual UIU website for use in recruiting
- Collaborating with AE on a variety of image-enhancing marketing/advertising initiatives
- Advertising
- Have completed the first phase of a multi-media production and buy to promote the construction project on the Fayette campus; currently includes one completed TV ad, newspaper advertisement, three web banners and three website pre-roll elements; second TV ad is in production; third TV ad will be short, produced, and placed this spring; radio ads are in development
- Currently reviewing proposals from production companies for high-quality, all-University advertising campaign (1 image-building; 3 for more targeted marketing use)
- Media Relations
- Have focused use of media relations consultant on stories that enhance the national reputation of UIU by highlighting President Walker; several regional interviews have been conducted; in development on several additional stories with regional and national media outlets
- Website Redesign and Launch
- The enhances and redesigned website was launched February 15; continuing to tweak launched pages, add additional elements, and work with other department to strengthen and update their website content
- Social Media
- In conjunction with Website launch, have introduced social media as a key part of UIU online communications; currently using Flickr, Facebook, and blogging; Twitter will be introduced shortly as part of pre-RAGBRAI communications and also will be used during event; blogging has grown from 1 blog to 11, with more scheduled to begin; blogs are generally topical and, therefore, have specific starting and ending dates
- Reputation Enhancement Project
- Worked with other departments to update Common Data set and provided updated UIU data to significant third-party websites (Peterson’s, Princeton, US News & World Report, etc.) to launch cycle of more accurate reports about UIU in their websites and publications; timing of updates dependent on those organizations’ updating cycle; have also updated information on other third-party websites, such as Wikipedia
- Working with other departments to address gaps in data collection that feeds these peer-review sites
- Policy Development
- Have developed and posted online, policies to support a consistent, integrated marketing approach to all activities, publications, and productions
8 Develop a comprehensive UIU advancement resource
(Rettig)
- Wealth analysis and giving capacity overview of database complete.
- Updated review of selected top tier prospects, 11/09.
- Evaluation of major gift potential and major gift prospects.
- Initial meetings with prospective donors are occurring (5/09 forward)
- Capital campaign gift chart completed (names entered), 7/09.
- WE screening of potential BOT members (7/09 forward)
- Planned Giving presence on website is in progress with Stelter (12/2009 onward)
- 1. Coordinating with rollout of updated UIU website
- Major gift solicitation
- Signed gift agreement and 125k cash gift
- Ask: 20k gift of property
- 12/2009 Gift Proposals: $250,000 (deferred); $21,000 (cash and pledge) endowed scholarship
- 12/2009 Signed gift agreements: $21,000 (cash and pledge) – noted above
- Proposal sent for honors program; notification of $750,000 deferred gift in will (2/2010) and discussion continuing on $75,000 cash/securities pledge (2/2010 forward)
- Solicited multi-year Team Peacock corporate sponsorship; (Follow-up contact with prospective donor, 2/2010)
- Ask: $100,000+ Name UIU as a Trustee (2/2010); meeting scheduled 3/2010)
- Stewardship of donors
- Held donor recognition event, President’s Society, for annual givers of $1000 (+)
- Homecoming weekend, ongoing events, culminating with Alumni Banquet
- San Antonio Alumni event planned in conjunction with 2/2010 BOT Retreat
- Management audit of office in final stages.
- Alumni and Development Director hired; start date 11/16/09
- Foundation and Corporate Relations Director hired; start date 11/02/09
- Foundation search for UIBD grantor
- GIVF proposal submitted with (A. Wenthe), $60,000, 10/30/09
- 1. $55,200 funded
- 12/2009 Proposals: John Deere ($40,000)
- 01/2010: 3 proposals prepared as of 1/15/2010 (2 private foundation, 1 federal grant)
- GIVF proposal submitted with (A. Wenthe), $60,000, 10/30/09
- • Month-by-month outline for campaign presented to Advancement Committee (5/09-6/09).
- Plan details and responsible person(s) taking place (6/09 forward)
- Gift Acceptance Policy document drafted and under review
- Grant Writing and Submission Guidelines developed, faculty accepted, and document posted to myUIU on Faculty tab and Staff tab.
- Grants Working Group established 6/09
- Alumni Programming
- Outreach events – review of current annual outreach calendar (1/10 forward)
- 1. Goal is to schedule at least 8 new events this year.
- Homecoming 2010 (3/-10 forward)
- Team Peacock Hosts – Email solicitation sent, personal contact underway (3/10 – 7/10)
- Outreach events – review of current annual outreach calendar (1/10 forward)
(Wenthe)
- FY 2009 Congressional Appropriation secured - $238,000 federal earmark for “e-Center equipment.”
- FIPSE funds approved, to be drawn down prior to 07/31/10.
- FIPSE implementation team continues $238,000 earmark will be spent to further strategic initiatives six and nine
- First draw down of FIPSE funds made in January – seven working groups meeting on initiatives (2 complete)
- Two funding requests submitted to Congressional delegation for FY 2010 – submissions are for technology/equipment and e-Center construction (not funded)
- FY 2011 appropriations requests submitted e-Center technology equipment and e-Center construction)
- First two Upper Iowa Business Development (UIBD) grants awarded ($15,000 to Fayette Flooring and $40,000 to funeral home/real estate start-up). Construction has started on both Main Street, Fayette businesses.
- Third annual UI BD grant application released – 16 inquiries for restaurant/sports lounge RFP
- UIBD Grant Advisory Committee will review applicants in March
- Iowa Department of Economic Development Grow Iowa Values Fund grant of $55k secured, to be used to offset UIU contribution to FY10 and FY11 UIBD grants
- Completed first of three-year USDA Rural Community Development Initiative grant ($139,500) to be used to develop a highly optimized website marketing the assets and businesses along the Highway 150 corridor from Oelwein to West Union, assist area businesses with website development, market the UIU e-Center, and hire an e-Center director to perform these and other duties.
- Dr. Gerry Scheffelmaier, new e-Center director, began duties October 26, 2009.
- e-Center/Upper Iowa Corridor asset inventory underway, website construction underway (website to go live in March, 2010)
- Engaged City of Fayette stakeholders in conversation regarding how city can capitalize on Upper Iowa’s growth – stressing importance of developing housing and retail opportunities in Fayette.
- UIU administration met with potential housing developer to discuss residential housing opportunities in Fayette
- Developer to meet with Fayette City Council in February 2010 re: eight unit housing division
- Expanded scope of facilities master planning to include office and service functions on Main Street.
- Revitalization grants ($10k) approved by City for demolition of downtown buildings (to be UIU logo store/UIBD grant project
- Consultant has been hired to perform an operational review of auxiliary services (e.g. bookstore, logo store, mail and print services). Part of the consultant’s report will include a recommendation as to how best to use the “logo store” space designed as part of the UIU built structure on Main Street that will house a restaurant, lounge, and “logo store”
- UIU master planners drafting building frontage sketches for two UIBD grant awardees, and strategic planning with City of Fayette has begun.
- Community forum held to discuss downtown planning, master planners now working with these ideas. City council approved comprehensive strategic plan funding for City of Fayette.
- Facilities master plan phase 1A projects include UIU capital investments on Main Street that will provide initiated office and service functions on Main Street. These initiatives include:
- 1. UIU funding for the development of a City of Fayette “Downtown Master Plan”. A draft plan was presented to City Council on March 1. The slightly revised draft will be presented at a public open forum on March 9, and it is hoped that the Council will adopt the plan at their March 15th meeting;
- UIU recently signed a purchase contract to acquire a property at 206 South Main Street. Plans for the renovation and use of the property are currently under discussion and we believe we will be able to use the property to house UIU services or to attract another business to Fayette to lease the space from UIU.
- E-Center: programmatic planning for facility.
- E-center and IT student/grad collaborative “Heartlanding” initiative underway, which will provide web and IT support for local businesses.
- USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant proposal awarded, two-year, $99,000 grant began 10/01/09.
- USDA Rural Development State Director visited UIU for site visit, very pleased with HITSC project
- HITSC working with several clients on improved web design and other IT projects.
