Sara-Beth Bittinger

Frostburg State University aims to be a premier educational and cultural center in western Maryland, serving as an integral component of regional economic development. The vision includes continuous growth and program development responsive to diverse student needs, expanding offerings in areas like special education, applied computer science, and health fields, and addressing shortages in teaching and information technology. Key strategic pillars involve strengthening public schools, promoting community service and leadership, enhancing cultural experiences, and driving economic development through research and business partnerships. The university strives to maintain a supportive community that fosters academic excellence and prepares students for global success.

The Equity and Inclusion Plan for Frostburg State University outlines its commitment to diversity and non-discrimination in education and employment. Rooted in Strategic Goal 4 of the main FSU Strategic Plan, it aims to recruit and retain diverse and talented faculty and staff. Key initiatives include regular campus climate surveys, promotion of employee recognition events, emphasis on diversity in all hiring searches, enhanced professional development, and explicit incorporation of strategic priorities into employee goal-setting. The plan addresses challenges posed by geographical location and demographics, with the ultimate vision of building a stronger, more diverse community prepared for a changing global economy.

This two-year strategic plan for Frostburg State University outlines key objectives and results for FY26-FY27. The plan is guided by broad input and affirms the university's commitment to five strategic priorities: increasing enrollment, strengthening financial sustainability, improving user experience through academic and operational process review, championing campus culture and community engagement, and achieving academic excellence and innovation. The plan aims to extend strategic priorities through 2027, with strategies to be further developed at the Division-level.

The meeting included updates from the Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and SGA. Discussions covered the second annual climate survey, faculty emeritus nominations, suspension of the environmental analysis major, course frequency language updates, curriculum proposals, faculty evaluations during the pandemic, and the Frostburg First survey. Vice Presidents provided updates on classroom technology upgrades, DEI trainings, faculty searches, vacancies in the Academic Success network, library renovations, articulation agreements with community colleges, and expectations for Fall 2021 instruction. Additional topics included a "staycation," housing plans for Fall 2021, mental health days, the Volunteer Civic Engagement program, a part-time case manager for the CAPS Center, leadership changes in Brady Health, and the SA Crisis Emergency Fund. Budget updates, testing supplies, the Research Park Foundation, an IPR request, and the establishment of RF2 were also discussed. Furthermore, the meeting addressed fundraising efforts, the opening of Fuller House, a presentation by Ologie, the Provost Search, plans for face-to-face instruction in Fall 2021, a new academic advising model, CARES Act funds, COVID testing, and a vaccine plan.