The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work Strategic Plan AY2007-AY2012
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SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 1: CURRICULUM
Vision: Create a curriculum that is based within the context of diversity, demography, technology, and globalization.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority I: Provide a high quality educational environment that contributes to student academic achievement, timely graduation and preparation to meet career goals.
Goal 1: Attract students with strong academic backgrounds and qualifications.
Goal 2: Increase the effectiveness of the learning process.
Objective 1: Improve faculty teaching. Objective 2: Enhance student learning.
Goal 3: Improve undergraduate and graduate student persistence, graduation, and professional placement rates.
SSW Goals:
1.Increase the consistency between the SSW vision, mission, and conceptual framework with the curriculum, field instruction, and evaluations.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Review curriculum goals against CSWE reaffirmation accreditation standards | Submission of Self Study Document | Reaffirmation team, Curriculum & Content Area Committees, all faculty | Fall 2007 |
Review core courses for consistency of content |
Submission of Self Study Document |
Reaffirmation team, Curriculum & Content Area Committees |
Fall 2007 |
Promote linkages between curriculum content areas including field |
Submission of Self Study Document |
Reaffirmation team, Curriculum & Content Area Committees |
Fall 2007 |
Present curriculum conceptual framework to adjuncts and field instructors |
Coverage in adjunct and field orientations |
Associate Dean, program directors, & Field Office |
2007 |
Consider new curriculum areas (gerontology, health, addictions, etc.) |
FA decision made |
Curriculum Committee, Content Areas |
2007 |
2.Increase emphasis on the student assessment system.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Restate BSW, MSSW, & PhD program objectives and content area objectives and course objectives in measurable terms | Submission of Self Study Document | Reaffirmation team, Content Areas | 2007 |
Develop an assessment of competency and skills within the core curriculum | Assessment measures available | Content Area Committees, Program Directors | 2009 |
Assess students’ competencies and skills | Administration of measures and tabulation of results | Program Directors, Associate Dean | Annually beginning Fall 09 |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 2: RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
Vision: Be a place where the faculty create new knowledge, integrate previous knowledge, and disseminate knowledge.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority III: Enhance The University of Texas at Arlington’s research, scholarly, and creative capacity and reputation.
Goal 1: Show significant improvement in institutional and program rankings.
SSW Goals:
1.Increase the number of research grants submitted by and awarded to UTA SSW faculty.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Continue providing GRA, travel and consultation support for faculty working on internal and external grant development | Resources used and increased submissions using merit document data | Dean, Faculty Development & Review Committee | Ongoing |
Increase faculty utilization of available research resources |
Resources used and increased submissions using merit document data |
Dean, Faculty Development & Review Committee |
Ongoing |
Continue developing research capacity building workshops for faculty and PhD students |
At least 2 workshops held annually |
Associate Dean, Faculty Development & Review Committee |
Ongoing |
Increase mentoring by successful faculty grant writers |
Number of submissions and awards reported as involving faculty mentoring on annual merit statement |
Faculty Development and Review Committee |
Ongoing |
Hire and retain faculty with skills and/or interest in grant writing |
Increased collaborative grant submission by new faculty as reported in merit document data |
Faculty Search Committee, Faculty Development and Review Committee, Dean |
Ongoing |
Increase the priority faculty give grant writing as part of their work |
Annual statement in merit document |
Faculty Development and Review Committee |
Ongoing |
2. Increase scholarship by UTA SSW faculty
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Increase mentoring by successful faculty authors | Increased collaborative publications by new faculty using merit document data and annual statement | Faculty Development and Review Committee, Associate Dean | Ongoing |
Hire and retain faculty with skills and/or interest in publishing | Increased publications by new faculty using merit document data | Faculty Search Committee, Faculty Development and Review Committee, Dean | Ongoing |
Continue assignment of faculty to teach fewer classes if scholarship level is at appropriate level | Increased publications by faculty using merit document data | Dean, Associate Dean, Faculty Development and Review Committee | Ongoing |
Revise the merit document to include an appropriate number of merit points for submitting a manuscript | Merit document changes considered | Development and Review Committee | Changes effective in 2007 |
Develop a process of cultivating probationary faculty toward tenure | Number of successful candidates for tenure and promotion | Faculty Development and Review Committee, Associate Dean | 2012 |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 3: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TO STUDENTS
Vision: Insure a quality educational experience for students.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority I: Provide a high quality educational environment that contributes to student academic achievement, timely graduation and preparation to meet career goals.
Goal 1: Attract students with strong academic backgrounds and qualifications.
Goal 2: Increase the effectiveness of the learning process.
Objective 1: Improve faculty teaching. Objective 2: Enhance student learning.
Goal 3: Improve undergraduate and graduate student persistence, graduation, and professional placement rates.
SSW Goals:
1. Improve student persistence rates and graduation.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Increase the number of highly qualified students | Annual profile of entering students (GRE, GPA, etc) and performance in program | Director of Admissions, Program Directors, Assistant Dean | Ongoing |
Increase the frequency and quality of contacts between advisers and advisees | Evaluation of advising data | Program Directors, Advisers | 2007 |
Continue to improve student advising | At least 2 advising workshops held per semester, data from student evaluation of advising, alumni data related to advising | Program Directors, Faculty Advisors, Associate Dean | Ongoing |
Increase instances of professional advising | Documentation of professional advising by advisers | Program Directors, Advisers | Ongoing |
Explore the concept of a student services center | Decision on center made | Student Relations Committee, Administration | 2008 |
Explore activities and mechanisms that foster mentoring of students by faculty, alumni, and fellow students | Mentoring explored. | Student Relations Committee | 2007 |
Maintain Student Forums with Dean, Field Information Sessions, Field Day, and other activities to inform students of opportunities that exist for educational, professional, and personal development. |
Number of activities held |
Faculty Student Relations Committee, Director of Field, Program Directors, Dean |
Annually |
Update student handbooks and web sites |
Updated handbooks & web sites |
Program Directors, Director of Field |
Annually |
Develop advisers handbook |
Handbook developed |
Program Directors |
2008 |
3. Maintain a curriculum that prepares students for professional practice and is responsive to student needs.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Produce annual educational outcomes report to Curriculum Committee and Faculty Assembly | Data from outcome measures | Program Directors, Associate Dean | Fall of each AY |
Implement a curriculum review based on outcome data. | Reports of curriculum review by respective committees | Content Area Committees, Curriculum Committee, Faculty Assembly | Annually |
Review student evaluations of instruction in annual review of faculty performance | Faculty ratings on student evaluation of instruction | Dean | Annually |
Assessment student perceptions of educational experience | Educational Outcome Measures | Program Directors, Associate Dean | Annually |
Incorporate educational outcomes in Unit Effectiveness Plan | Assessment of Unit Effectiveness Plan | Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, Strategic Planning Committee | 2007 |
Increase student participation in appropriate committees | Regular student participation in committees | Committee Chairs Student constituency council | Annually |
Develop a plan for distance education course offerings and programs | Plan developed and approved by Faculty Assembly | Strategic Planning Committee, Program Directors | Fall 2007 |
Increase opportunities for student engagement in research | Number of students who participate in research with faculty or in ACES, complete theses, or are McNair Scholars | Program Directors, Faculty Student Relations Committee | 2008 |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 4: SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Vision: Become a partner with and provide leadership for human service and social work professional activities in order to connect with and serve the community
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority VI: Build external collaborations and partnerships which contribute to economic, social, and cultural development.
Goal 1: Establish more effective collaboration with neighboring colleges, universities, and school districts.
Goal 2: Improve the quality and accessibility of educational opportunities offered to all students (K-16).
Goal 3: Establish more effective collaboration with regional government entities.
Goal 4: Establish more effective collaboration with targeted international institutions.
Goal 5: Establish more effective collaborations with the private and not-for-profit sectors.
SSW Goals:
1. Create a SSW that is a lively and dynamic resource hub of professional knowledge and technical assistance available to the community.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Support and develop continuing education programs | Self-supporting PD program | Professional Development, Assistant Dean | 2007 |
Identify community opportunities for SSW faculty consultation, partnering, joint projects, and representation on local boards and committees through stakeholders conferences, community leaders events, and other networking activities | Assessment completed and report produced | Community Services Center, Associate Dean | 2007 |
Implement plan for Community Dialogue Forums between faculty and community practice representatives | Hold at least 2 community dialogue forums annually | Coordinator of Advancement | 2007 |
Re-examine the merit document to insure that community service is appropriately credited | Merit document changes considered | Development and Review Committee | Changes effective in 2007 |
2. Increase integration between the SSW and the community with an emphasis on ethnically diverse and underserved communities.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Develop funded grant opportunities targeting diverse populations | Number of funded projects targeting diverse populations | Faculty PIs, Center Directors, Associate Dean | Fall 09 |
Develop and offer courses and seminars in different localities. | Number of courses offered online and outside UTA | Professional Development, Program Directors, Associate Dean | 2008 |
Seek funding from corporations and foundations to provide resources for community activities | Number of event sponsors | Coordinator of Advancement, UTA Development Office | 2009 |
Broaden and develop activities of the Community Services Center | Current Center’s Plan implemented | Community Service Centers, Associate Dean | 2008 |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY 5: STUDENT LIFE, ALUMNI, AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
Vision: Promote knowledge and activities that lead to a climate of life-long learning among students, alumni, and the human service professional community.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority I: Provide a high quality educational environment that contributes to student academic achievement, timely graduation and preparation to meet career goals.
UTA Planning Priority II: Provide an enriching university experience for all members of the UTA community.
UTA Planning Priority III: Enhance The University of Texas at Arlington’s research, scholarly, and creative capacity and reputation.
Goal 3: Foster increased contributions by alumni, friends, and the private sector that can be used to enhance the University’s research, scholarly and creative capacity.
UTA Planning Priority VI: Build external collaborations and partnerships which contribute to economic, social, and cultural development.
UTA Planning Priority VII: Promote a culturally diverse and inclusive university community.
SSW Goals:
1. To more closely link SSW teaching and research with the alumni and professional community
Strategies and Tasks |
Key indicators/ Resources |
Responsible entities |
Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Preserve current links and activities with the UTA alumni office | Links and activities maintained | Assistant Dean, Coordinator of Advancement, | Ongoing |
Create a SSW Alumni Chapter | Established SSW Alumni chapter | Assistant Dean, Coordinator of Advancement, UTA Alumni Assn. | 2008 |
Encourage and support research that is funded and unfunded (with future funding potential) with community agencies | Number of proposals submitted/funded with community partnerships | Center Directors and Faculty, Associate Dean | Ongoing |
Link the activities of SSW centers more closely with the faculty, alumni, and professional community | Implement centers plan, periodic centers report at FA. | Center Directors and Faculty, Associate Dean, all faculty | 2009 |
Increase circulation of printed school newsletter | Increased circulation | Coordinator of Advancement | 2007 |
Develop and disseminate an online version of the school newsletter | Online version developed and disseminated | Coordinator of Advancement | 2007 |
2. Increase non-classroom educational activities that improve socialization between faculty, administration, students, alumni, and the professional community.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Implement a speaker series for faculty, students, alumni and the community | Speaker series developed | Asst. Dean, SSW Development Office, all faculty | 2008 |
Hold educational events that highlight significant research and creative activities by, students (especially Ph.D.) and community agencies | Events held | Professional Development, Asst. Dean, SSW Development Office, all faculty | 2011 |
3. Enhance the professional development program’s market share amidst continuing competition and its role in bringing together faculty, students, and the professional community.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Develop a faculty, student, and alumni advisory body for the Professional Development Program | Advisory body formed | Professional Development, Asst. Dean, Faculty Assembly | 2007 |
Develop strategic plan for Professional Development Program |
Strategic Plan developed and implemented |
Professional Development Program Director, PD Advisory Committee, Assistant Dean |
2007 |
Develop annual evaluation for Professional Development Program |
Evaluation Plan developed and implemented |
Professional Development Program Director, PD Advisory Committee, Assistant Dean |
2007 |
Explore certificate programs available to faculty, students, and the community, such as in nonprofit management |
Certificate programs considered or developed |
Content Areas, all faculty |
2008 |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 6: SCHOOL FUNCTIONING Vision: Have faculty and staff resources that support and advance the school’s teaching, research, and service goals.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority IV: Use available compensation resources for faculty, staff and students to build excellence.
Priority VIII: Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of University operations.
Goal 1: Match administrative infrastructure to size, complexity and demands placed on unit.Goal 2: Reduce unnecessary bureaucratic processes.
Goal 3: Provide programs and services in ways that control costs and conserve resources.
UTA Planning Priority IX: Embrace a dynamic culture of planning, evaluation, and assessment to ensure progress toward the University goals.
Goal 1: Develop a culture of meaningful assessment within all parts of the University.
SSW Goals:
1. Function efficiently and effectively in order to improve the school.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Create a data driven planning environment | Bi-annual Review of Strategic Plan with revisions as needed, Redrafting of Strategic Plan during AY 2010 | Dean, Strategic Planning Committee | 2009 |
Maintain faculty and staff positions at full complement | Elimination of unfilled positions within a reasonable search period | Dean, Faculty Search Committee, Staff Supervisors | 2009 |
Bring diversity representation of faculty into EEO compliance | Percentage of ethnic minority faculty | Dean, Faculty Search Committee | Fall 2010 |
Minimize faculty and staff turnover |
Reduction of faculty and staff attrition |
Dean, Faculty Development and Review Committee, Faculty Student Relations Committee, Staff supervisors |
2010 |
Use the first annual faculty assembly meeting to develop a consensus regarding the short term interests of the SSW |
SSW interests considered at 1st faculty mtg |
Dean, Faculty Assembly Chair or designate |
Ongoing |
Conduct a bi-annual survey of faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders needs and interests including infrastructure and funding |
Survey completed biannually |
Dean, Strategic Planning Committee |
Bi- annually, begin 2007 |
Develop mechanism for effective support and supervision of adjunct faculty |
Responses on bi-annual survey |
Program Directors, Content Area Chairs, Associate Dean |
2008 |
Increase adjuncts’ connection to UTA by providing work space, bios on web site, parking access, making sure they understand the benefits of complete library access, etc. |
Adjunct responses on bi-annual survey |
Associate Dean |
2007 |
Increase field instructor’s connection to UTA by increasing participation in Field Academy, strengthening faculty liaison activities, maintaining regular communication, etc. |
Field Instructor responses on bi- annual survey |
Director of Field, Associate Dean |
2007 |
Improve classroom infrastructure to enhance teaching, e.g., smart classrooms, A/C, lighting |
Responses on bi-annual survey |
Assistant Dean, Strategic Planning Committee |
2007 |
Update Faculty Manual bi-annually and move manual online |
Updated Manual |
Assistant Dean, Strategic Planning Committee |
2007 & bi-annually thereafter |
Evaluate continued effectiveness of Faculty Assembly structure and functions |
Survey of faculty |
Strategic Planning Committee |
2009 |
2. Seek additional sources of support and resources to enhance capacity for carrying out the school’s mission and goals.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Increase the number of high quality students |
Annual profile of entering students (GRE, GPA, etc) and performance in program |
Director of Admissions, Program Directors, Assistant Dean |
Ongoing |
Develop a SSW students growth plan along with the necessary faculty, staff and infrastructure |
Growth plan approved by administration and Faculty Assembly |
Strategic Planning Committee |
2009 |
Build the scholarships available to students |
Increased amount of scholarship money awarded |
Advancement Coordinator, UTA Development, School Advisory Committee |
Ongoing |
Develop and maintain a “friends of the School” list including email addresses |
Current list available |
Coordinator of Advancement |
2006 |
Improve contributions to annual TeleFund |
Increased contributions |
UTA Office of Development, Coordinator of Advancement |
Ongoing |
Increase percentage of faculty and staff contributions to school fundraising efforts until reach target of 75% |
Percent of faculty and staff contributing |
Coordinator of Advancement, Faculty Assembly |
Ongoing |
SSW PLANNING PRIORITY AREA 7: INTEGRATION WITH THE LARGER UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Vision: Promote integration of SSW and UTA resources, mission, and vision.
Relationship to University Planning Priorities:
UTA Planning Priority II: Provide an enriching university experience for all members of the UTA community.
SSW Goals:
1. Maintain and develop effective SSW integration with the university community.
Strategies and Tasks | Key indicators/ Resources | Responsible entities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Have each faculty member serve on at least one non-SSW UTA committee | Merit document | Faculty Representative on Elections Committee, Faculty Representative on Committee on | Ongoing |
Develop opportunities to promote the strengths and professional identity of the SSW with other UTA departments and schools and with other universities |
Events involving the larger UTA community |
Coordinator of Advancement, Strategic Planning Committee |
Ongoing |
Develop events that involve other departments or faculty in SSW scholarship, teaching, and community initiatives |
Events involving the larger UTA community |
Coordinator of Advancement, Strategic Planning Committee |
Ongoing |
Invite departmental/school administrators to SSW faculty meetings to share SSW activities and priorities |
Faculty meeting guests |
Faculty Assembly Chair |
Ongoing |
