Athens State University

This document outlines the vision, mission, and comprehensive goals for Athens State University. The institution aims to be a premier, affordable destination for transfer students, providing high-quality, cutting-edge education and acting as a catalyst for positive change. Its mission is to empower students through teaching, service, research, and innovative programs in a supportive and diverse environment. Key institutional goals focus on a student-centered approach, expanding educational opportunities, fostering belonging, strengthening partnerships, promoting diversity and ethical conduct, and leveraging technology. Additionally, nine learning goals emphasize global understanding, effective communication, lifelong learning, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, human diversity, digital citizenship, civic engagement, and disciplinary knowledge.

This document outlines the procedures for the Academic Program Review process, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs through a systematic 5-year assessment cycle. It covers various components including curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, enrollment data, alumni outcomes, student feedback, advising, national trends, and culminates in a five-year action plan. The review aims to ensure the quality, viability, and productivity of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service within academic programs.

The Board reaffirmed the Statement on Inclusion and Civility, approved the Board meeting dates for 2026, the 2025-2026 Board Committee Structure and Charter, and the 2025-2026 Executive Committee membership. They also accepted the 2024 Board Self-Evaluation results. Additionally, the Board approved a new micro credential in Auditing for the College of Business, an Academic Program Title Change from Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Design to Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Art, and Resolution No. 1-07-18-2025 to amend the Board of Trustees Bylaws and Contract Management Policy. Approvals were also given for the contract for Enrollment Marketing Services with Echo Delta, capital improvements for the Carter Hall Renovation, and pursuing financing for the Carter Hall project. The Board also approved the FY 2025-2026 Budget.

The committee discussed Fall enrollment by College, noting a significant increase in new undergraduate enrollment. They also reviewed Fall admissions data, highlighting a strong yield for undergraduate students. The committee discussed plans to increase yield, including strategies for engaging with admitted students and building relationships with community college partners. A persistence plan for new students entering Fall 2025 was presented, focusing on early engagement with Success Coaches and proactive interactions. The committee addressed the challenge of fraudulent applications and measures to prevent them. An analysis of high-growth programs was presented, and updates were given on Bear Bash, a welcome event for students.

The committee reviewed external consultant findings, focusing on optimizing CRM, removing enrollment barriers, securing enrollment gaps, shifting to an AI-driven operating system, leveraging scholarships, increasing response times, and offering clear pathways for staff advancement. The discussion covered the expansion of the Athens State Advanced Workforce Program, developing AI-powered enrollment and marketing strategies, implementing a unified scholarship leverage model, expanding regional reach, and adopting HyFlex learning across all programs. Concerns were raised about changing course formats, integrating local businesses into academies, user satisfaction with AI, expanding the student body demographic, and competing with other institutions.