1. Strategic Planning at Appalachian Student Life

2. Mission Statement The mission of Appalachian State University is to prepare students to lead purposeful lives as engaged and productive global citizens and who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. A constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, we pursue our mission within the higher education framework of teaching, scholarship, and service. Our location in the distinctive Appalachian mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, profoundly shapes who we are and what we do. We bring people together in inspiring ways. The transformational Appalachian experience develops individuals who are eager to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to manifest character, to act with passion and determination, to embrace diversity and difference, and to become contributing members of society. We create rich environments where students can thrive. Our students are educated broadly but also are equipped with strong disciplinary knowledge. Academic learning occurs in a wide range of undergraduate and selected masters, intermediate, and doctoral programs offered on campus, at off campus sites, and online. Faculty and students engaged in research and scholarship that advance knowledge and address the problems of our region, state, and world through creativity and innovation. Learning takes place within formal and informal instructional settings with dedicated faculty members, in co-curricular programs that enrich classroom experience, in interdisciplinary educational formats, and through outreach to the local community and beyond. Appalachian cultivates diverse and vibrant arts that enrich the cultural and intellectual climate of the campus and region. We value a spirit of inclusion that inspires students, faculty, and staff to form lifelong relationships that extend well beyond graduation. Our students think critically, communicate effectively, make local to global connections, and assume the responsibilities of community engagement. Fundamentally, we embrace our obligation to help create healthy, just, and sustainable societies, honoring our heritage and values while equipping students with the knowledge to live with compassion, dedication, humility, and dignity.

3. Statement of Sustainability Sustainability at Appalachian State University is not a trend, it is a tradition. We are active stewards of our State’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources. Through engaged scholarship, we balance critical, creative and global thinking in a living laboratory, transforming theory into practice and fostering responsible citizenship.

4. Strategic Planning Timeline

5. Working Groups Undergraduate Education Research Globalization Outreach & Engagement Resources Diversity Student Life Graduate Education Sustainability Work-Life Balance Athletics Technology & E-Learning Accountability & Efficiency

7. The Strategic Planning Survey A survey about the strategic direction for Appalachian sought input from a variety of stakeholders. Total number of respondents: 1,436 408 Incomplete1,028 Completed  Students38%  Faculty22%  Staff17%  Leadership Boards1%  Parents13%  Alumni5%  The Community2% NOTE: Respondents could select more than one demographic category.

11. Strategic Priority for Student Life Appalachian values and supports the continued development of a vibrant student life community that is conductive to building a dynamic and inclusive intellectual environment where life changing experiences and excellent support services contribute to the mission of the University and transform our students into life-long learners who are engaged citizens locally, nationally, and globally. DRAFT

12. Strategic Actions for Student Life  Appalachian will, through its facilities, programs and services, create opportunities and empower students to make responsible life choices that enhance their health, safety, and well-being.  Appalachian recognizes that the student is the most influential person in their own success and the University will support their development in becoming adaptable, innovative, resilient, and engaged individuals who are active participants in their own success.  Appalachian will create and enhance programs, experiential opportunities, and services that support our academic mission by fostering the intellectual, personal, and professional development of our students. DRAFT

13. Resources Strategic Planning http://strategicplanning.appstate.edu Student Life Strategic Plan http://studentdev.appstate.edu