Karen Bravek

The meeting of the R1 Our Way Steering Team focused on the Pathway to Premier 2030 research university strategy. Discussions included providing directional resources and guidance, framing SDSU's research university strategy, defining the work product, and determining the Steering Team's approach. The team also covered rules of engagement, the importance of community involvement, a well-defined doctoral degree strategy, faculty and research staff considerations, tenure and promotion guidelines, infrastructure needs, and an analysis of CCIHE classification for doctoral research universities.

The strategic plan, titled "Pathway to Premier 2030: R1 Our Way," focuses on elevating South Dakota State University to an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification. It emphasizes increasing research, scholarship, and creative activity, enhancing academic program offerings, and growing support for faculty. The plan also aims to build on the university's strengths in various fields of study and spaces, while creatively pursuing its own path to becoming a high-performing, people-centered institution.

The strategic plan for South Dakota State University focuses on building a high-performing, people-centered R1 university that excels in action and aspiration. It emphasizes creating and disseminating knowledge through partnerships, leading-edge curriculum, and doctoral education. Key areas include growing support for faculty, enhancing institutional skills, developing innovative programming, and securing public/private financial support. The plan aims to prepare students and employees for career fulfillment and societal impact, while also addressing the shifting higher education landscape and reputational competition.

The meeting focused on defining the work product structure and the Steering Team's approach to composing, revising, and finalizing the Resource Guide. Discussions included defining workgroups, methods for populating them, and revisions to the guide. The team also reviewed the R1 Our Way Resource Guide structure and discussed strategies for SDSU to consider, including academic units, colleges, campus climate, outreach units, and mission success service units. The proposed work approach involves steering and workgroups to produce resource guidance, analyze information, and draft sections of work products.

The meeting focused on defining the work product and the Steering Team's approach, including composing, revising, and finalizing the Resource Guide, as well as defining workgroups and methods for populating them. The purpose of the team is to guide the Pathway to Premier 2030 research university strategy, demystify processes, assist sectors, and foster creativity. The team discussed the structure of the Resource Guide, considering various components such as the preamble, classification scheme, higher education classification landscape, strategies for SDSU, and a concluding case statement.