UNOH Strategic Plan Goals

All University of Northwestern Ohio Goals feed into the overarching area of supporting student achievement.

Goal Ⅰ - Student Achievement

The University of Northwestern Ohio strives to empower every student to achieve their highest potential through effective teaching, personalized support, and a nurturing learning environment leading them through to graduation.

  • Objective 1 – Honest and Effective Recruitment Strategies - The University will enhance student achievement by implementing comprehensive strategies to recruit, retain, re-engage, and graduate students. This will be achieved through improved internal communication, expanded recruitment processes, active faculty and staff participation in retention efforts, targeted recruitment strategies for first-time, military, returning, nontraditional, and international students, and the formalization of procedures to reconnect with students who have withdrawn.
  • Objective 2 – Curriculum Enhancements - The University will align its curriculum with industry trends and enhance academic success by conducting regular program and curriculum reviews. This will include the continuous evaluation of advisory boards with industry professionals for every major, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices.
  • Objective 3 – Real-World Learning Experiences - The University will increase on- and off-campus learning experiences by enhancing technology equity across all campus buildings, both academic and residential. Additionally, the University will expand real-world experiential learning opportunities through the integration of internships, job shadows, and site visits, thereby strengthening students' practical and professional skills.
  • Objective 4 – Resources and Support for All Students - The University will create and provide resources to support students on their path to graduation by regularly communicating available academic services to all students. Additionally, the University will track tutor support needs and adjust services accordingly to ensure effective and timely assistance for all students.

Goal Ⅱ - Student Service

The University of Northwestern Ohio will provide comprehensive and student-centered services which support academic success, personal development, and the well-being for all students.

  • Objective 5 – Inclusive activities, clubs, organizations, and career development opportunities - The University will provide inclusive activities, clubs, organizations, and career development opportunities by expanding outreach to students about available co-curricular and extracurricular options. Faculty and staff will be encouraged to actively participate in student activities, clubs, and organizations. Additionally, career development opportunities will be enhanced to align with the curriculum and student involvement in clubs and organizations.
  • Objective 6 – Mental Health Resources - The University will connect students with mental health resources in a timely manner by continuously evaluating and maintaining both on-campus and online mental health services. Additionally, the University will enhance student programming and employee training to address the mental health needs of students effectively.
  • Objective 7 – Welcoming Environment - The University will foster a welcoming and inclusive campus community in which the diverse values, goals, and learning styles of all students are recognized and supported by providing programming for students and employees to recognize all students' diverse values, goals, and learning styles.

Goal Ⅲ - Operational Excellence

The University of Northwestern Ohio will continually optimize operations to promote efficiency and enhance organizational effectiveness.

  • Objective 8 – Maximize Efficiency - The University will achieve operational excellence by evaluating and streamlining processes and procedures to maximize efficiency. This includes more closely aligning the academic calendars of all five colleges within the university, reviewing departmental policies to identify opportunities for operational improvements, and enhancing the communication strategies for incoming students.
  • Objective 9 – Continue to Follow Best Practices - The University will monitor evolving best practices and compliance standards in the higher education industry by developing a standard operating procedure manual for all offices and empowering a University compliance committee to monitor local, state, regional, and national compliance standards.
  • Objective 10 – Campus Infrastructure - The University will continuously evaluate campus infrastructure and make improvements as warranted to meet academic, residential, and recreational needs to ensure consistent connectivity in all buildings. Additionally, the University will develop a framework to identify, address, and prioritize maintenance and facility improvement needs.
  • Objective 11 – Communication Structure - The University will maintain an open communication structure between all departments through cross-training within university departments along with information sharing and the encouragement of cross-department collaborations.
  • Objective 12 – Expand Resources - The University will provide access to resources for students, staff, and faculty by maintaining open access to the Center for Educational Excellence and by continuously evaluating all of the resources currently available in the library, student success office, and tutoring department.

Goal Ⅳ - Sustainability

The University of Northwestern Ohio will promote a fiscally responsible environment utilizing practices to ensure a thriving and resilient future for the institution. This proactive approach will allow the University to anticipate future challenges and opportunities ensuring financial stability and sustainability.

  • Objective 13 – Align Budget Strategies - The University will align budget strategies with the needs of its programs, staffing, and facilities to ensure the continued success and growth of the institution by creating and providing comprehensive budget tools for employees and department heads to allow for transparency and informed decision-making as well as being dedicated to developing long-term planning strategies for the University’s financial needs.
  • Objective 14 – Allocate Resources Effectively - The University will leverage evidence and inquiry to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that data-driven decisions are impactful by consistently analyzing data across all departments, programs, and services. This evidence-based approach will enable the University to make informed decisions that best serve its students and the university community.
  • Objective 15 – Expand Revenue Streams - The University will pursue a variety of revenue streams to support its mission and enhance educational offerings by growing the alumni network, cultivating connections with donors, actively seeking partnerships that align with goals to create mutually beneficial relationships, and evaluating grant and corporate giving opportunities to enhance the University’s financial stability.

Goal Ⅴ - Employee Investment

The University of Northwestern Ohio will invest in its employees through opportunities for growth, development, and well-being to foster a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce.

  • Objective 16 – Support Professional Growth - The University will provide ample opportunities for staff to attend meetings and professional development events with like-minded individuals related to their job functions, encourage a collaborative work environment, and recognize the importance of personal wellness by offering resources that include mental health support and work-life balance programs.
  • Objective 17 – Strengthen Employee Recruitment - The University will Strengthen employee recruitment and retention by providing competitive employee benefits, flexibility, and pathways for career advancement and explore opportunities to adjust benefits to keep them competitive within similar industry packages.
  • Objective 18 – Employee Recognition - The University will recognize employee achievement and professional accomplishments through regular performance-based evaluations and work to ensure that job descriptions, pay, review, and promotion procedures are clearly defined.

Goal Ⅵ - Community Involvement

The University of Northwestern Ohio will actively engage the greater Lima/Allen County community through meaningful partnerships and initiatives that address needs, foster social connections, and create a positive impact for the campus and its students.

  • Objective 19 – Enhance Community Partnerships - The University will enhance partnerships with school districts, community and industry organizations, and agencies to build pathways toward the institution. Furthermore, the University will establish protocols for developing community partnerships and expand the use of campus facilities for community events.
  • Objective 20 – Expand Community Involvement - The University will encourage community involvement through membership, service, and outreach by empowering employees to build educational relationships with area schools and technical career centers and encouraging membership in service and business-related organizations from faculty, staff, and administration.
  • Objective 21 – Provide Programming Experiences - The University will provide engaging educational experiences and programming to community partners by sharing university resources and build out a centralized workforce development or short-term training committee to create community-centered educational opportunities.