Priority One: Academic Programs of Distinction

Georgia Southwestern will promote academic programs to encourage increased enrollment to an optimum of 3,000 students while maintaining a caring community of learning. GSW will provide distinctive, effective education programs while developing and strategically allocating resources for the delivery of those programs.

• Strengthen teaching, learning, and assessment in all programs, particularly in the core curriculum, the liberal arts foundation for all baccalaureate degree programs.
• Develop and support interdisciplinary learning, service learning, and international learning experiences as components of the curriculum for all students.
• Provide resources for professional development to retain a committed faculty and staff.
• Provide continuing support for comprehensive program and accreditation reviews for all programs.

Priority Two: Meeting the Needs of a Changing Student Population

Georgia Southwestern will develop alternative approaches to enhance programs and services.

• Increase course availability through flexible scheduling.
• Design and offer alternative modes for the delivery of instruction, including increasing access to and use of technology.
• Develop options for childcare.
• Assess and strengthen services that respond to student needs.

Priority Three: Quality Residential Programs and Facilities

Georgia Southwestern will develop a residential model that includes updated facilities, new student life programs, and expanded opportunities for learning within the context of a financially viable, self-sufficient operation.

• Develop public/private partnerships to create new residential options for students.
• Explore strategies to reinforce existing residency requirements and to encourage all traditional age students to reside on campus for the first two years of the undergraduate experience.
• Assess and strengthen programs that engage students in campus life.
• Develop additional specialized residential facilities for traditional age students.

Priority Four: Enriched Campus Community

Georgia Southwestern students, faculty, and staff will continue to enrich the learning environment to support our vibrant community of learning.

• Focus resources for development of all community members.
• Increase student, faculty, and staff engagement in the campus community.
• Promote communication and the flow of information across the campus.
• Foster collaboration across departments and schools within the University and with external agencies.

Priority Five: GSW Image and Centennial Celebration

Georgia Southwestern will promote its distinctiveness in the University System as it prepares to celebrate its Centennial in 2006.

• Increase public awareness of distinctive programs and learning opportunities as well as the economic impact of the University through the development and implementation of a systematic marketing plan.
• Examine the cost and feasibility of NCAA membership for athletic programs.
• Maximize the impact of celebrating the University’s centennial.
• Launch a major gift campaign to fund the critical needs of the University.