Introduction

The development of the University Strategic Plan articulates the University’s priorties to achieve its mission and to engage in continuous improvement. The University’s primary mission is to deliver a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed. It is important for Academic Affairs to support the work of the strategic plan and University mission fulfillment. 

Role and Philosophy

Academic Affairs is responsible for all instructional programs, educational policy, academic planning, academic resources, and faculty personnel actions. Academic Affairs has a strong history of shared governance. Programmatic and curricular decisions and faculty evaluation are conducted by peer and administrative evaluation through standing committees in the Colleges and the University. Academic Affairs is focused on student learning and student success. The division values academic freedom and the development of a community of scholars.

Academic Affairs Mission Statement

To ensure all current and prospective students have access to excellent academic programs and the customer service and support they need to succeed; to provide a rich educational environment for students by building a community of scholars dedicated to student success through excellence in teaching and learning, innovation, discovery, creativity, civic engagement, diversity, and inclusiveness; to direct constructive change in the delivery and implementation of academic programs in response to the needs of students and of employers in the twenty-first century; and to demonstrate wise stewardship of all the University’s instructional and academic support resources through assessment, accountability, and continuous improvement to ensure high quality, relevant, higher education at an affordable price.

Foundation for the University Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan begins with the University’s vision, mission, core themes and objectives.  These statements, along with the Values are the foundational underpinnings of the Strategic Plan and guided and shaped its form and content.

MSU Billings Mission, Vision, Core Themes, Values and Motto

Mission

Montana State University Billings delivers a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

Vision

Educating students to impact an evolving global community.

Core Themes

  • Core Theme One: Build educational programs to support student needs
  • Core Theme Two:  Progressively grow the university
  • Core Theme Three: Strengthen relationships with the community to enhance partnership opportunities
  • Core Theme Four: Unify, invigorate, and engage MSUB’s structure and culture

Core Values

Respect: Respect is what allows us to seek out and appreciate the best in other people. Selfrespect is also a vital value, which results from knowing one has put forth his/her strongest
effort.
Integrity: We commit to honesty, ethical behavior, and accountability, and promise to do only what is right, legal, and moral.
Selfless Service: We are a university of people that will put the welfare of our community and fellow human beings–especially students before our own.
Inclusion: We value processes that seek input from a broad array of stakeholders to produce better products and outcomes.
Stewardship: We promise to conserve and best-utilize the human, economic, physical, and environmental resources entrusted to us.
Excellence: We strive for perfection in everything we do from teaching, to service, knowing that we can always improve.
Ingenuity: We embrace and support innovative and creative solutions to set our university apart and to best serve students.
Lifelong Learning: We value educational experiences for all people that spark intellectual curiosity and cultivate engaged citizens.

University Motto:  Access and Excellence