Site Team Report

16. Advice and Suggestions for Institutional Improvement

1. It is suggested that the Board of Control and the Administration give high priority to improving the salary structure for faculty and professional staff. (Ch. 6: Faculty, Ch. 14: NCA Criteria/College of Engineering)
2. It is suggested that the administration develop a comprehensive plan to deal with such economic challenges as: operating new buildings, improving salaries, converting to semesters, and developing an infrastructure to support research. This plan should be reviewed with the Academic Forum, the University Senate, and the Board of Control. (Ch. 7: Graduate Education, Ch. 12: Financial Environment)
3. It is suggested that the Board of Control establish financial policies that preserve the University's debt rating and long-term financial strength. (Ch. 12: Financial Environment)
4. It is suggested that the Board of Control expand its practice of opening its agenda to input from students, faculty, and staff. The Board is encouraged to explore other avenues to improve communication. Creation of a web page to facilitate input is one possibility. (Ch. 5: Student Life)
5. It is suggested that the practice of diverting auxiliary fund balances into the general fund be reviewed to ensure that improvements can be made in the auxiliary enterprise operations. (Ch. 5: Student Life, Ch. 12: Financial Environment)
6. It is suggested that a strategic plan be developed to increase the size and scope of the student union physical plant and its programs. (Ch. 5: Student Life, Ch. 12: Financial Environment)
7. It is suggested that a strategic plan be developed to increase the size and scope of library resources for undergraduate and graduate education and research. (Ch. 7: Graduate Education)
8. It is suggested that the University create formal mechanisms whereby a designated senior administrator receives regular input from students, especially the student government, about policy issues of concern to students. (Ch. 3: Undergraduate Education, Ch. 5: Student Life)
9. It is suggested that academic and financial planning be further linked to shared governance through appropriate Senate committees. (Ch. 2: Purposes and Planning)
10. It is suggested that the University consider ways of further expanding and coordinating its efforts in international education and environmental programs. (Ch. 14: NCA Criteria/Int'l Education & Environmental Education)
11. It is suggested that the University develop a specific plan to promote diversity among students, faculty, and staff, including on-going programs to improve the climate – on campus and in the community – for women, under-represented groups, and international students. (Ch. 4: Recruitment and Retention, Ch. 6: Faculty, Ch. 7: Graduate Education)
12. It is suggested that the University seek to bring appropriate industry to the Houghton area. (Ch. 8: Research, Ch. 14: NCA Criteria/College of Engineering)

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