Governors State University

This Institutional Strategic Framework outlines the University's long-term direction, anchored in collaboration, shared purpose, student success, excellence, and community engagement. It identifies four strategic pillars: Thriving Students, Lasting Impact; Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Roots; Bridging Voices and Vision; and Future-Focused Academic Excellence. The plan aims to cultivate an inclusive educational environment, strengthen its role as a regional anchor and global collaborator, build trust and shared purpose, and deliver innovative academic experiences, positioning the University for lasting impact.

This document is a report summarizing the Steering Committee's feedback on Governors State University's Institutional Strategic Planning 2030 (ISP 2030) process. Initiated in Fall 2024, the planning involved reviewing previous strategies and developing four strategic pillars with associated SMART goals. The report details stakeholder input on these pillars: Student Success and Support, Community and Global Engagement, One Institution, Many Voices, One Message, and Future-Focused Academic Excellence, providing critical insights for shaping the university's long-term direction.

The event celebrated the grand opening of the Trent Bartolomucci Behavioral Health Lab, described as a state-of-the-art facility. The opening signifies a victory and emphasizes the commitment to training the next generation of behavioral health professionals, conducting cutting-edge research, and providing evidence-based care. A representative from the Trent Bartolomucci Foundation expressed gratitude, stating the foundation's purpose is to honor their son, Trent, by helping others, and acknowledged the university's role in supporting these efforts.

The document details the CHHS Department of Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony, which acknowledges the progression of third-year students to their clinical year leading to graduation. The event included welcome remarks from the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Catherine Balthazar, and comments from the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. David Dears. Key discussion points centered on the transition from didactic learning to clinical learning, the importance of patient interaction, collaboration with supervisors and peers, and incorporating the core values of the APTA, such as accountability, compassion, excellence, and social responsibility, into professional practice. White coats were presented to the students, followed by an affirmation and dedication statement adapted from the Hippocratic Oath.

The Academic Affairs Committee meeting included discussions on the 2022 census data, which highlighted a trend of predominantly female, part-time students, indicating an opportunity for targeted initiatives, including a new partnership with Amazon employees for educational benefits. The committee also reviewed housing census data, noting a high number of female students living on campus and a consistent majority of minority-serving students at Prairie Place, with a noticeable increase in older/graduate students residing on campus. Discussions emphasized the high yield of open houses as an enrollment indicator and the successful digital marketing campaigns. Furthermore, it was noted that previous low occupancy rates were due to pandemic restrictions, which are now being relaxed, leading to positive recontracting rates for on-campus housing and anticipated return to pre-pandemic waiting lists by 2023, supported by affordable rates and superior housing amenities compared to peer institutions. The committee also discussed current engagement with international students regarding on-campus housing.