Idaho State University mission statement and core themes receive State Board approval

The mission and core theme approval are the first steps for the University in updating its strategic plan that will take place beginning July. The University sought a transparent and inclusive process that included opportunities for students, faculty and staff to provide feedback on drafts of the document. The Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment Council considered all of the feedback when completing the draft.

“This is a great success for the University,” said Arthur C. Vailas, Idaho State University’s President. “We had strong participation at open forums, through emails, and during IEAC meetings. Throughout the review and revision process, we considered all of the feedback and ultimately incorporated a substantial amount of the recommendations we received into the final drafts, making it a better product in the end.”

The University has taken the first step in rewriting the University’s strategic plan. The University will begin developing a new strategic plan in July 2016 using a framework that supports increased transparency and inclusion.

The mission and core theme updates are located on the President’s web page at http://www.isu.edu/president/.

Idaho State University Mission Statement (Approved by SBOE Feb. 18, 2016)

Idaho State University is a public research-based institution that advances scholarly and creative endeavors through academic instruction, and the creation of new knowledge, research, and artistic works. Idaho State University provides leadership in the health professions, biomedical, and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as serving the region and the nation through its environmental science and energy programs. The University provides access to its regional and rural communities through delivery of preeminent technical, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and interdisciplinary education. The University fosters a culture of diversity, and engages and impacts its communities through partnerships and services.

Core Themes

• Core Theme One: Learning and Discovery. Idaho State University fosters student learning and discovery through teaching, research, and creative activity. ISU delivers high quality academic programs at all levels: technical certificates; undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees; and postgraduate professional training.

• Core Theme Two: Access and Opportunity. Idaho State University provides diverse pathways to retention and graduation through educational preparation, academic and co-curricular opportunities, and extensive student support services.

• Core Theme Three: Leadership in the Health Sciences. Idaho State University provides statewide leadership in the health sciences. With the academic support of its colleges and the division, the University offers a broad spectrum of degree levels and provides residency training in the health professions. New knowledge is created through biomedical, translational, clinical, rural, and health services research. Teaching, research, practice, and community partnerships provide interprofessional education and excellence in patient care. University clinics provide an environment for learning, inquiry and comprehensive health care service to the community.

• Core Theme Four: Community Engagement and Impact. As an integral component of the community, Idaho State University develops partnerships and affiliations through the exchange of knowledge, resources, research, and expertise. Through a diverse university staff, faculty, and student body, ISU provides cultural, social, economic, and other opportunities to enrich the lives of citizens.