Kate Margaitis

The 2016-2021 Strategic Plan for Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) focuses on strengthening liberal education, enhancing graduate and professional programs, improving resource management, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering social justice through community engagement. The plan emphasizes developing essential skills (critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and teamwork) through diverse learning experiences, including undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and community engagement. Outcomes include improved student success, increased revenue generation, enhanced facilities, and a stronger commitment to equity and social justice. The plan also aims to increase the quality and diversity of graduate programs, particularly in health sciences, and to expand international collaborations. The university will achieve these goals through strategic resource allocation, faculty development, curriculum enhancements, and strengthened partnerships with the community and external stakeholders.

The 2019-2025 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for Winston-Salem State University focuses on reimagining the first-year experience to improve student success. The plan aims to enhance student learning outcomes by improving essential skills, increasing student engagement through high-impact practices, and ensuring curriculum relevance and coherence. Specific areas of focus include improving retention, enhancing critical reading and written communication skills, improving information literacy, and providing undergraduate research or experiential learning opportunities. The QEP employs four strategies: Institutional Intentionality, Curriculum, Faculty and Staff, and Students. The plan uses various metrics to assess progress, including credit accumulation, credit completion ratio, gateway course completion rates, retention rates, and GPA. The ultimate goal is for freshmen to feel connected to campus, engaged in deep learning, maintain good academic standing, and complete a signature social justice project.