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Strategic Plan Details

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The GSW Strategic Plan

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a regional, public comprehensive university that remains steadfast in our goal of student success. GSW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges which ensures our institution has high-quality academic programs in place. The academic planning process has further established that GSW’s academic programs are desired by students and contribute to the regional workforce. Comprehensive program reviews provide further evidence of the innovation and effectiveness of our curriculum and offerings. GSW remains committed to implementing its academic plan and remaining nimble in order to meet the current and emerging needs of regional employers.

GSW continuously strives to improve enrollment and retention rates and support those segments of the student population most at risk for difficulty. GSW’s faculty and staff are focused on making sure students reach their personal and professional goals through academic and co-curricular activities, both of which are embedded in everything we do and set the foundation of GSW’s Strategic Plan and the three pillars of the GSW Experience. We will continue to raise funds for student scholarships and to support the work we do on campus, and we will make campus improvements which provide for a better student experience. GSW will also continue to nurture and develop community partnerships which provide synergistic relationships. This will allow us to provide both internship and funding opportunities. Finally, we will remain dedicated to providing an environment which is committed to the diversity of individuals as well as a diversity of views.

Thus, while we continue to do the things one would expect in order to continuously improve the campus experience, our strategic plan is focused on reaching milestones which make the experience on GSW’s campus unique and enriched beyond what you might experience on a traditional college campus. This plan provides a roadmap for how GSW will support students while they are on campus and beyond as they strive to reach their personal and professional goals. 

The GSW Strategic Plan is built upon three pillars of excellence which constitute the promise we deliver to incoming students. It ensures we will be active participants in their educational endeavors, and we will help them build the personal and professional connections they need to be successful. We will also work with students as they continue their journey of self-discovery and provide opportunities to help refine their sense of purpose and become the type of leader they desire to be. Finally, this will be accomplished while ensuring they are job market-ready and fully prepared to take the next step in their professional journey. This is the GSW Experience, now adopted as the GSW Strategic Plan.

People

Cultivating a connected, supported, community where ever member belongs and succeeds.

  • Goal 1: Advance student belonging and connectedness to promote sustainable success.
    Hurricane Advantage: Every GSW Student will actively engage in at least two (2) belonging or connectedness activities per year.
  • Goal 2: Strengthen academic and wellness support systems that help students problem-solve and thrive in educational and professional contexts.
  • Goal 3: Support Faculty/Staff belonging and connectedness through onboarding and ongoing integration.
    Hurricane Advantage: Every new employee will participate in a structured onboarding process that spans the first year of employment.
  • Goal 4: Prioritize Faculty/Staff wellbeing and development to foster institutional quality and excellence.

Purpose

Advancing academic excellence through transformative learning that shapes students and communities.

  • Goal 1: Develop and expand high-impact experiential and integrative learning opportunities particularly related to critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and global/civic engagement.
    Hurricane Advantage: Every GSW graduate will participate in 2 high-impact experiential and integrated learning opportunities per year.
  • Goal 2: Attain defined levels of enrollment, progression, and completion that demonstrate enhanced student success.
  • Goal 3: Drive economic, cultural, and workforce development of Southwest Georgia and beyond.

Profession

Preparing graduates for workforce and civic success through coordinated career services, professional competencies, and communication mastery.

  • Goal 1: Establish a comprehensive and coordinated ecosystem for career services and development that engages every division, college, and unit to impact professional readiness and success.
  • Goal 2: Emphasize appropriate discipline-specific skills and professional competencies, including digital and data literacy, leadership, adaptability, and collaboration across curricular and co-curricular programming.
  • Goal 3: Build professional communication skills through intentional mastery of written, oral, and digital competencies.
    Hurricane Advantage: Every GSW student will demonstrate mastery of at least 3 professional competencies - drawn from digital/data literacy, leadership, adaptability, and collaboration - through a minimum of 2 curricular or co-curricular experiences per year.