Ridgewater College

This action plan outlines strategies to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and student voter registration, education, and turnout in elections. Key objectives include complying with Minnesota State statutes regarding voter education, maintaining or increasing current voter registration and voting rates, and strengthening community partnerships. The plan also focuses on addressing participation gaps among underrepresented student groups, integrating voter registration into various campus events, and leveraging student leadership and local election officials to foster civic learning and political engagement.

The Ridgewater College Equity Plan (2022-2023) focuses on addressing equity needs and issues within the college and its communities, in alignment with Equity 2030 and Equity by Design initiatives. Key areas of focus include establishing a Basic Needs & Community Resources Coordinator position, integrating the Director of DEI into college leadership, and partnering to increase retention and completion of marginalized students. The plan also aims to promote intercultural humility, expand affinity groups, and increase community engagement with DEI efforts. Strategic initiatives include supporting marginalized students, assessing campus climate, and fostering an inclusive community for employees.

The document outlines Ridgewater College's vision to be a student-centered educational leader focused on innovation, excellence, and affordability. Its mission is to empower diverse learners to reach their full potential through personalized and relevant education in an accessible, supportive, and inclusive environment. The college is committed to providing welcoming and inclusive campuses that value diverse experiences and opposing racism and unjust bias. Guiding principles include being enterprising, empowering employees, striving for excellence, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering trust and respect, encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and creativity, and ensuring accountability.

The Ridgewater College Master Academic Plan (2025-2028) is a comprehensive framework integrating academic goals, resource allocation, and performance metrics to achieve excellence. It aims to align academic offerings with student and community needs, foster an inclusive learning environment, and prioritize student success. Key areas of focus include enhancing student experience through quality programs and services, fostering internal and external partnerships, providing professional development for faculty and staff, and reducing barriers to student success. Outcomes include program reviews, improved program learning outcomes, enhanced co-curricular activities, new program development based on data-informed decision-making, increased partnerships, improved faculty and staff engagement, and increased student retention rates.

The 2024-2025 Ridgewater College Strategic Plan focuses on increasing student success (course completion, program completion, and goal attainment) and achieving stable, then increasing enrollment. Five strategic initiatives guide this plan: 1. Expand and Enhance Engagement (improve communication, seek feedback, develop community partnerships); 2. Challenge the Status Quo (reinvent processes, redesign programs, reconfigure facilities); 3. Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (provide equal opportunities, eliminate achievement gaps, diversify staff); 4. Strengthen and Promote the Ridgewater Student Experience (prioritize student needs, create a respectful campus culture); and 5. Achieve Financial Sustainability (balance revenue and expenses, manage investments, communicate college's financial state). The plan emphasizes student-centered learning, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and community engagement.