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Strengthen current student and parent/ family communications

Project purpose: To improve communication to students so that they receive timely, relevant, and coordinated information.

Project Leads: Devin Carpenter and Claudine Cellier
Executive Sponsor: Leslie Webb

Drive the design and implementation of an undergraduate advising model that responds to current and future student needs and expectations

Project purpose: To streamline advising processes for the advising community so that we increase efficiency and effectiveness for students.

Project Leads: Rick Anderson and Nathan Domitrovich
Executive Sponsor: Leslie Webb

Enhance Native American student access and success through culturally informed support

Project purpose: To foster understanding of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination so that we honor and embed these principles in our practices, processes, and student support efforts.

Project Leads: Karla Bird, Michelle Guzman, and Kristina Lucero
Executive Sponsor: Kelly Webster

Cultivate excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment through evidence-based practices in foundational math and writing courses

Project purpose: To equip faculty with adaptable, evidence-based teaching strategies for gateway courses so that we strengthen student success, boost academic confidence, and improve degree completion.

Project Leads: Amy Ratto Parks and Lauren Fern
Executive Sponsor: Adrea Lawrence

Refine the strategic approach to graduate enrollment

Project purpose: To enhance outreach and experiences for graduate students so that we optimize their support and sustain UM’s R1 status.

Project Lead: Paul Lukacs
Executive Sponsor: Scott Whittenburg

Develop integrated and effective student financial services functions

Project purpose: To integrate financial aid and student accounts functions so that we improve effectiveness in service, systems, and processes.

Project Leads: Lucy Logan, Stacey Eve, and Drew Riley
Executive Sponsor: Leslie Webb

Expand and deepen alumni, faculty, staff, and community co-curricular partnerships in support of students’ access to networks and mentorships

Project purpose: To develop and strengthen alumni partnerships so that we support students' career readiness through mentorship and industry connections.

Project Leads: LeAnn Layton and Kyle Bocinsky
Executive Sponsor: Brad Goan

Continue to work with faculty across disciplines to integrate career readiness into the curriculum and co-curriculum

Project purpose: To embed career readiness in academic curricula so that students connect learning to future opportunities and departments can measure and enhance impact.

Project Leads: Andrea Vernon and faculty TBD
Executive Sponsor: John DeBoer

Adapt the academic program portfolio review process with a lens on curricular relevance

Project purpose: To align academic programs with evolving student and societal needs so that programs remain forward-facing, mission-aligned, and strategically sustainable.

Project Leads: John DeBoer and Marc Hendrix
Executive Sponsor: Adrea Lawrence

Create a model for student wellbeing that is coordinated and aligned across the programmatic agencies on campus

Project purpose: To align co- and extra-curricular programming agencies so that we deliver a vibrant campus life.

Project Leads: Adrianne Smith and John Nugent
Executive Sponsor: Leslie Webb

Build capacity to establish and sustain a cross-campus effort to model civil dialogue, practice civic and democratic engagement, and promote leadership development

Project purpose: To secure funding for student leadership development and civic engagement so that we elevate UM’s role in developing active, community-driven citizens.

Project Leads: Michael Road, Megan Stark, Gillian Glass, and Skye Borden
Executive Sponsor: Kelly Webster

Develop and test an explanatory framework that describes our holistic approach to undergraduate education

Project purpose: To develop an explanatory framework so that we clearly articulate the value of a UM undergraduate education and more intentionally design the student experience.

Project Leads: Jenny Lavey and Drew Riley
Executive Sponsor: Jenny Petty

Establish UM as the regional leader in online education, including the development of a structure to maintain academic integrity in a digital age

Project purpose: To establish UM as a regional leader in online education for current and future students so that we broaden access to flexible, high-quality academic programs.

Project Leads: Eric Vorkoeper and Sarah Benedict
Executive Sponsor: Shara Tscheulin

Develop a comprehensive and financially sustainable noncredit training portfolio

Project purpose: To develop a sustainable noncredit training portfolio for diverse learners so that we expand access, meet workforce needs, increase revenue, and strengthen community engagement.

Project Leads: Tom Gallagher and Julie Cahill
Executive Sponsor: Shara Tscheulin

Improve access to academic pathways and strengthen partnerships and industry collaborations

Project purpose: To increase access to academic pathways and strengthen industry partnerships so that we support students' career success and build a strong talent pipeline.

Project Leads: Grace Gardner and Julie Cahill
Executive Sponsor: Shara Tscheulin

Adapt our systems and processes to support a wider range of learners

Project purpose: To adapt UM systems for diverse learners so that all students experience a streamlined and supportive educational journey.

Project Leads: Julie Cahill and Brad Goan
Executive Sponsor: Shara Tscheulin

Collaborate with partners to address health needs across Montana, with a particular focus on mental and behavioral health

Project purpose: To apply UM's expertise and educational programs in mental and behavioral health so that we support coalition building across the State's mental and behavioral health workforce.

Project Leads: Michael Road and Amanda Cahill
Executive Sponsor: Brad Goan

Develop an engagement strategy with state, federal, and private partners to enhance UM excellence in key research areas: AI/machine learning, human performance, cyber, biotech, health outcomes, forest and fire management, water prediction and management, and autonomous systems

Project purpose: To match UM strengths with immediate funding opportunities and urgent needs so that we support collaboration between researchers and external partners to positively impact local, regional, and global communities.

Project Leads: Lily Apedaile, Paul Lukacs, and Drew Reinert
Executive Sponsor: Scott Whittenburg

Leverage the UM Impact and Interfolio platforms to support faculty collaboration and showcase faculty scholarly and creative activities

Project purpose: To capture and showcase research and creative scholarship activities so that we facilitate faculty connections across disciplines and amplify our impact in Montana and across the globe.

Project Leads: Lauren Fritzsche, Josh Groomer, and Wendy Walker
Executive Sponsor: Scott Whittenburg

Improve research support systems, processes, and services

Project purpose: To optimize research administration for principal investigators and research support staff so that we effectively and efficiently support research on campus.

Project Leads: Katherine Swan and Nicole Thompson
Executive Sponsor: Scott Whittenburg

Shape the UM narrative and empower external partners to promote UM’s brand, accomplishments, and impact through community engagement in Montana

Project purpose: To expand UM’s network of storytellers and brand champions so that we deepen affinity and confidence in UM’s impact across Montana.

Project Leads: Dave Kuntz and LeAnn Layton
Executive Sponsor: Kelly Webster

Build Griz pride in UM as a hub for community and statewide arts and athletics engagement  

Project purpose: To expand, coordinate, and maximize UM’s arts and athletics offerings and facilities so that we strengthen community engagement and vitality, foster economic growth, grow revenue, and enhance UM's reputation.

Project Leads: Paula Short, Jim Smart, and Tia Meehan
Executive Sponsor: Kent Haslam

Enhance giving among UM alumni, expand the UM network of non-alumni donors, and launch a parents giving program

Project purpose: To deepen fundraising engagement with key stakeholders so that overall philanthropic support of UM grows.

Project Leads: Mandy Brooks, Joellen Shannon, and LeAnn Layton
Executive Sponsor: Cindy Williams

Implement a revamped performance development process and software system

Project purpose: To implement a performance management system for employees so that they receive meaningful feedback and support for growth.

Project Lead: Shawn Blair
Executive Sponsor: Jay Stephens

Implement a new employee learning management system and work with campus partners to build trainings

Project purpose: To implement an employee learning management system and create custom training so that employees have access to training they need to succeed.

Project Lead: Jasmine Laine
Executive Sponsor: Jay Stephens

Identify, prioritize and begin to address internal processes that need improvement and that most impact the employee experience

Project purpose: To improve cumbersome processes for campus employees so that we reduce bureaucracy and focus on meaningful, value-added work.

Project Lead: Pamela Altmaier
Executive Sponsor: Jay Stephens