President’s Office

Students coming to Lake Superior State University enter a Culture of Student Learning and Development. They become part of an environment that supports, challenges and transforms them. In this culture, we acknowledge that learning and development occur in the traditional academic settings of the classroom, the laboratory, and the library; but they also occur in the residence halls, in community spaces, and at a Lakers athletic events. Through curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular experiences, students develop skills that transform them and set them an upward social mobility trajectory. They are ready to excel in the jobs of today and have the training to keep them competitive in a rapidly changing, globally interdependent arena.

Transformation at LSSU is not reserved solely for students. Just as students are transformed by their education and LSSU experience, so too are their educators transformed by their faculty development and formation, research, and conference attendance. The constant evolution that occurs with comings and goings of students oblige the University, its faculty, and staff to adapt and respond to student needs, community needs, and emerging market trends to develop professionally prepared graduates who excel locally, nationally, and globally.

Goal 1.1 – Revitalize and supplement academic offerings that respond to student needs and promote transformational growth.

Strategies:

• 1.1.1 Analyze, assess, and refresh traditional general education and liberal arts courses to accentuate their intrinsic value and add appeal and relevancy to current students.
• 1.1.2 Add new academic programs and delivery methods for certificates, associates, and baccalaureate degrees that meet student and market needs for traditional and nontraditional students in the LSSU broader service region.
• 1.1.3 Pursue the establishment of a community college as a separate entity within LSSU that serves vocational and technical education.
• 1.1.4 Expand and leverage the identity and successes of the Center for Freshwater Research and Education through the addition of new academic programming within it.
• 1.1.5 Expand programming related to cannabis to position LSSU as a national leader of academic inquiry in the cannabis industry.
• 1.1.6 Enhance a culture of cyclical and systematic assessment to drive continuous improvement and innovation in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs and services.
• 1.1.7 Equip students with information and tools that promote self-advocacy and a growth mindset.
• 1.1.8 Expand career services to create more linkages between academic programming, and internship and job opportunities both in the U.S. and Canada.
• 1.1.9 Increase the number of guest speakers from the business and professional community.

Goal 1.2 – Develop a comprehensive internationalization plan that takes LSSU to the world, and brings the world to LSSU.

Strategies:

• 1.2.1 Establish an Office of International Engagement to enhance recruitment of, and support for, international students.
• 1.2.2 Establish educational partnerships with global institutions for study abroad opportunities and faculty exchange.
• 1.2.3 Develop a comprehensive international recruiting plan, and increase the numbers of international students to 10% of the total number of students at the university.
• 1.2.4 Develop a Canadian recruiting plan, and increase the number of Canadian students to 5% of the total number of students at LSSU.
• 1.2.5 Develop a scholarship program targeting Canadian students that addresses cost differential between Ontario and Michigan.
• 1.2.6 Internationalize the academic and co-curricular programs to infuse international perspectives throughout the education experience.
• 1.2.7 Provide a support mechanism for faculty and staff who establish exchange and study abroad opportunities and partnerships with foreign universities or lead service learning or research projects.

Goal 1.3 – Increase first-year student retention to 75%, and increase the percentage of entering students who complete an associate or bachelor’s degree by 10%.

Strategies:

• 1.3.1 Increase support and services for students who are first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, veterans, or enter needing developmental coursework.
• 1.3.2 Expand usage of My Degree Plan to enhance student academic decision-making and degree-planning.
• 1.3.3 Develop a campus-wide student retention plan.
• 1.3.4 Assess the effectiveness of all developmental and gateway courses, and revise as needed.

Goal 1.4 – Provide faculty and staff with support and professional development to strengthen an innovative, world-class learning and development environment that enables success, drives social mobility, and develops students into professionally prepared graduates.

Strategies:

• 1.4.1 Provide professional development to faculty and staff to assist them in keeping current in their respective fields, development of student learning-centered pedagogy, and development in all academic endeavors.
• 1.4.2 Provide sufficient training, technological support, and oversight to ensure quality content and service both on campus and in distance learning environments.
• 1.4.3 Increase participation in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) activities and Faculty Learning Communities.
• 1.4.4 Enhance our academic advising model and training program utilizing best practices that provide access to advising tools.
• 1.5.5 Track, support, and market the use of High-Impact Educational Practices in all academic activities (e.g. first-year seminars and experiences, service learning, undergraduate research, study abroad, and e-portfolios).

Lake Superior State University celebrates its diverse community and is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging. Our diversity reflects the many ways in which individuals and communities uniquely identify – socioeconomic, first-generation status, veteran status, religious, racial, sexual orientation, ethnic, or political – contributing distinct and valuable experiences and perspectives to the makeup of the university. Everyone should have equal possibility to find their place at LSSU, to feel like they belong, and to have a shared Laker identity. The University’s belief in inclusion reflects the manner in which individuals with different backgrounds are incorporated and valued within educational and civic discourse. We respect and celebrate the uniqueness of the students, staff, and faculty that comprise our community, and acknowledge our responsibility to ensure a culturally relevant space where all feel heard and welcomed. Our policies and practices must promote a culture of inclusion, safety, and belonging; they must be person-centered, equitable, and coordinated across campus. We especially must support, uplift, and empower underrepresented and marginalized groups. Our culture of inclusion and belonging allows us to enrich every pillar of the strategic plan.

Goal 2.1 – Integrate and advance the celebration of diversity across the University.

Strategies:

• 2.1.1 Develop a campus-wide Diversity Plan that promotes a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• 2.1.2 Establish and publish a calendar of cultural and historic events, celebrations, dates, and holidays.
• 2.1.3 Support the creation of additional multicultural or inclusion groups, events, and activities.
• 2.1.4 Create opportunities for open presentations on diversity for students, faculty, and develop a Diversity Speaker Series.
• 2.1.5 Assess the cultural relevance of courses and curricula with the goal increasing cultural literacy.
• 2.1.6 Increase collaboration among student organizations when hosting events with similar themes.
• 2.1.7 Identify and achieve campus-wide diversity recognition from external organizations that highlight success in working with diverse student groups (e.g. Veteran-Friendly School Gold Level by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency).
• 2.1.8 Create a leadership development program for faculty and staff – in particular women, minorities, and members of underrepresented populations – to provide added opportunity to position themselves for professional advancement within the University.

Goal 2.2 – Sustain a university climate that promotes retention and success of students, faculty, and staff; and that makes all feel welcomed, supported, included, and valued.

Strategies:

• 2.2.1 Develop, encourage, and support processes that allow continued dialogue and service to diversity, inclusion, and belonging through academic and culture-based activities.
• 2.2.2 Enhance the physical and technological infrastructure that provides accessibility for all university members.
• 2.2.3 Provide training to faculty and staff around best practices for cultural competencies and accommodated resources to support diverse populations on campus.
• 2.2.4 Create and maintain a website to provide communication for initiatives, successes, and resources around diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.

Goal 2.3 – Increase awareness of student social mobility and the challenges associated with it, and increase support activities for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Strategies:

• 2.3.1 Increase the number of annual and endowed scholarships targeting students from disadvantaged financial backgrounds.
• 2.3.2 Assess and increase awareness of student food insecurity and maintain a food pantry and professional clothing resource.
• 2.3.3 Increase faculty, staff, and students’ involvement in community and civic affairs.
• 2.3.4 Enhance financial literacy education, especially as it relates to student debt.
• 2.3.5 Increase and maintain a funding source for student emergencies.
• 2.3.6 Increase grant support to benefit students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• 2.3.7 Increase financial training for faculty and staff about challenges related to social and economic mobility.

Goal 2.4 – Design activities, themes, and traditions that define what it means to be a Laker, that enhance campus identity, and that build a sense of belonging.

Strategies:

• 2.4.1 Offer and support positive interactions in the classroom, workplace, and campus living spaces to give students, faculty, and staff opportunities to connect and build relationships.
• 2.4.2 Increase communications highlighting successes, accomplishments, and key initiatives of students, faculty, staff, and alumni across multiple platforms and when possible invite community participation.
• 2.4.3 Update the University’s Style Guide and use of a uniform brand and stylistic approach, including Athletics programs and licensed products.
• 2.4.4 Broaden campus participation at Laker Athletics events.
• 2.4.5 Develop and expand student music opportunities on campus, including the University Pep Band for performances at Laker Athletics events.

Goal 2.5 – Incorporate history, traditions, languages, and cultures of Indigenous peoples in all University service areas.

Strategies:

• 2.5.1 Augment the prominence of the Native American Center on campus, in the community, and on a regional and national level through broader programmatic offerings.
• 2.5.2 Increase the number of programmatic offerings and activities in the Native American Center on campus and in the community.
• 2.5.3 Develop and offer Ojibwe language courses on campus including a program that results in a teaching certificate in education.
• 2.5.4 Incorporate the history of Indigenous cultures in general education.
• 2.5.5 Develop an immersive cultural program on campus that promotes Native American historical and contemporary narrative.
• 2.5.6 Establish a new academic program in Native American studies that emphasizes the history of the Great Lakes Region and Native American history and culture.
• 2.5.7 Establish as a graduation requirement for baccalaureate degrees the completion of at least one course with Indigenous cultural content.

A strong, stable fiscal position is paramount to the University growing and thriving as a vibrant campus and community, where students pursue their education and where faculty and staff grow in their careers. The choice of the word resilience over sustainability is purposeful in that we wish to maintain and create systems that can withstand changes and still function efficiently. Operational excellence will require investment in LSSU’s human capital, underlying technologies, and campus infrastructure, while addressing budgetary challenges.

Goal 3.1 – Ensure individual or aggregated institutional operating units are viable and that LSSU as a whole is financially healthy and resilient.

Strategies:

• 3.1.1 Identify and develop new learner-focused academic programs and delivery methods that will meet local, regional, and larger market demands, while increasing enrollment and net revenue.
• 3.1.2 Evaluate existing academic programs for overall effectiveness, financial viability, and enrollment growth potential.
• 3.1.3 Develop a process for review/assessment that ensures expenditures are aligned with institutionally approved plans (e.g. LSSU Strategic Plan, LSSU Master Plan, Housing Master Plan, and Facilities Master Plan).
• 3.1.4 Ensure that LSSU exceeds the Higher Learning Commission’s minimum required Composite Financial Index of 1.0, as determined in the HLC Annual Update.
• 3.1.5 Ensure that LSSU exceeds 3.0 for two of the four financial health ratios for public institutions of higher education as determined by the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
• 3.1.6 Achieve unqualified annual audits for the institution.
• 3.1.7 Develop an institutional crisis management plan, which includes how LSSU will respond to infectious diseases and global pandemics.

Goal 3.2 – Expand and diversify university revenue streams.

Strategies:

• 3.2.1 Expand overall university enrollment with a goal of 1,925 students by 2025. (updated July 14, 2023, by the Board of Trustees)
• 3.2.2 Develop an additional location for the University in St. Helen, Michigan focusing on select programmatic offerings and general education.
• 3.2.3 Develop a Club Sports initiative that focuses on available athletics facilities and newly recruited students.
• 3.2.4 Promote and develop a unit of the University as a Community College, which focuses on trades and vocational programs.
• 3.2.5 Develop the Center for Freshwater Research and Education to offer academic programs and to become financial sustainable.
• 3.2.6 Maintain and develop new academic programs serving non-traditional populations such as Service Member, high school, continuing education, and community college learners.
• 3.2.7 Increase revenue from major auxiliary units of the University (e.g. housing, health services, food services, Cisler Center), including construction of a new residence hall.
• 3.2.8 Increase 1st to 2nd year retention rate to 75%.
• 3.2.9 Increase the number of varsity athletics teams, especially the addition of fall season sports (e.g. women’s and men’s soccer and lacrosse).
• 3.2.10 Lobby state elected officials for permanent funding of the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver and increases to annual institutional appropriations.
• 3.2.11 Increase miscellaneous General Fund revenue (e.g. miscellaneous gifts, interest Income, Norris Center revenue, Arts Center revenue, and indirect costs).
• 3.2.12 Increase revenue from Athletics events and initiatives.
• 3.2.13 Maintain tuition and room and board rates consistent with market trends and peer institutions.
  • 1. Review the organizational structure of the University Foundation and reorganize it for maximum fundraising
    effectiveness.
• 3.2.15 Develop long-term Foundation fundraising goals in support of University strategic initiatives.
• 3.2.16 Develop a comprehensive Campus Events Management Plan to coordinate and maximize campus spaces, events success, and net revenue generation.
  • 1. Provides a single point of contact for scheduling campus events.
  • 2. Coordinates internal units for successful event management.
  • 3. Takes advantage of underutilized campus resources.
  • 4. Draws more external constituencies to the campus.
  • 5. Takes advantage of LSSU’s strengths and unique environment.
  • 6. Increases net revenue to the University for reinvestment in the institution.

Goal 3.3 – Cultivate a positive culture of customer service and professional development.

Strategies:

• 3.3.1 Ensure operational hours for academic and student support areas to adequately meet student needs.
• 3.3.2 Enhance the university research function and provide professional development to faculty, staff, and students in using data to make informed decisions.
• 3.3.3 Complete a staffing audit to ensure that unit staffing levels are appropriate.
• 3.3.4 Utilize tools in the solicitation of prospective employees that are easy to use for candidates, supervisors, and budget managers.
• 3.3.5 Implement a comprehensive onboarding, mentoring, and professional development program for all employees to ensure that recruiting, hiring, and promotion processes are inclusive and follow research-based practices for avoiding bias.
• 3.3.6 Determine, and then utilize, best practices for communication to distinct constituent groups, including but not limited to prospective and current students, employees, alumni, and community members.
• 3.3.7 Deliver training and tools to budget managers that will improve the budgeting process by increasing transparency, provide real-time access to budgets, and increase their understanding of the university budgeting process.

Goal 3.4 – Ensure operational effectiveness through innovation, planning, and resource allocation.

Strategies:

• 3.4.1 Provide IT infrastructure, systems, and staffing through hiring and/or training to ensure that operational and instructional technology systems and staff can support innovation, communication, efficiency, and productivity.
• 3.4.2 All units will annually report on plans/costs to automate processes in an effort to increase efficiencies and reduce costs.
• 3.4.3 Business plans will be developed for all Institutional strategic initiatives prior to implementation.
• 3.4.4 Complete a new Campus Master Plan by 2025 that aligns priorities for new construction, facilities renovations, deferred maintenance, property acquisition, and space utilization.
• 3.4.5 Develop and utilize budgeting processes that integrate planning, innovation, and assessment and that allow multiyear planning, provide more effective data for decision-making, enhance cash-management strategies, and coordinate university and unit financial plans.
• 3.4.6 Develop and implement and institutional deferred maintenance plan by 2021.
• 3.4.7 Maintain good standing with the Higher Learning Commission and appropriate accreditation bodies.

Lake Superior State University’s unique location on the international border in the twin Sault Ste. Marie communities provides our students with a distinct landscape to live and learn. Our location is further enhanced by the presence of several vibrant Tribal communities. As a key economic anchor in Sault Ste. Marie and the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, LSSU has and will foster a symbiotic relationship with the community. A healthy relationship with area partners will not only help our students thrive, it will enrich the community as a whole. The success of LSSU as a university is co-dependent on the strength of our neighboring communities and on the strength of our relations with them. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to be a good neighbor and employer. LSSU will be part of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, not apart from it. We will strive to cultivate students, faculty and staff who are Laker citizen ambassadors who are integrated in civil, commercial, and political life.

Goal 4.1 – Increase and document community service and partnership activities for LSSU students, faculty, and staff.

Strategies:

• 4.1.1 Track, increase, and promote volunteer work and consultation done by students, faculty, and staff.
• 4.1.2 Track, increase, and promote student projects and research that benefit the local community.
• 4.1.3 Assign a liaison to facilitate interaction between LSSU and the community for internship opportunities, job shadowing, and hiring after graduation.

Goal 4.2 – Implement better communication to Eastern Upper Peninsula communities and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario about campus opportunities and resources that are available to the public.

Strategies:

• 4.2.1 Create and share a reference list of key contacts at LSSU and the community for ease of communication.
• 4.2.2 Develop and maintain a promotional system in support of LSSU events and summer activities to broaden exposure, participation, and engagement.
• 4.2.3 Increase awareness of LSSU programs that meet regional job market demands and offer future opportunities in step with economic trends.
• 4.2.4 Work with community partners to create and enact a plan to develop a “college town” atmosphere (i.e. the university pervades the economic and social life of the city).

Goal 4.3 – Collaborate and build relationships with Tribal Partners.

Strategies:

• 4.3.1 Partner with local tribes to promote Native American cultures in Laker Week activities and throughout the academic year.
• 4.3.2 Enhance the University’s relationship with Bay Mills Community College.
• 4.3.3 Amplify the opportunities available through the Native American Center to the campus and our surrounding community.

Goal 4.4 – increase collaboration with K-12 schools in Northern Michigan and Ontario.

Strategies:

• 4.4.1 Develop an outreach program with regional middle schools and high schools to showcase the University and enhance LSSU’s recruitment opportunities.
  • 2. Develop a recruiting plan to increase the number of students enrolling in LSSU from our Charter schools.
• 4.4.3 Enhance K-12 student opportunities on campus as a way to strengthen a sense of belonging at the University.
• 4.4.4 Strengthen and grow opportunities for joint programming through Career Technical Education and Early Middle College.
• 4.4.5 Provide international enrichment experiences through the Arts with programming designed specifically to meet the needs of students.
• 4.4.6 Expand programming at the University Arts Center to target K-12 students.

Goal 4.5 – Engage with the community to shape our priorities and advocate our strengths.

Strategies:

• 4.5.1 University leadership will collaborate with local political, business, and community leaders.
• 4.5.2 In a diverse higher education policy landscape, LSSU will continually promote its uniqueness to statewide and nationally elected officials.
• 4.5.3 The University will be the center for the arts and cultural exchanges for the city and region through the leveraged use of the LSSU Arts Center.
• 4.5.4 Leverage Laker Athletics as a community entertainment and marketing asset to advance the University.
• 4.5.5 Enhance the opportunities for alumni and friends of the University to advance the institution with their time and resources.
• 4.5.6 Host conferences associated with cannabis-related programming, the Center for Freshwater Research and Education, the Nursing Simulation Center, and other key areas on campus.
• 4.5.7 Expand the number of summer camps offered at the University with emphasis given to revenue and breadth of programming.

Sustainability at LSSU is the result of developing and adhering to policies and procedures crafted to achieve a sustainable and just world for current and future generations, especially as it pertains to the functioning of the University, and the protection and conservation of the natural environment around us. Our mission, location, and pride of place – at the nexus of three Great Lakes – provide us with both the motivation and sense of urgency to protect our natural resources. Development of sustainability at LSSU requires that we push beyond our current boundaries toward new initiatives, requiring some initial investment and ultimately leading to a healthier planet, enriched academic experiences, and ongoing institutional savings. We believe LSSU is ready for this challenge. We are further excited at how our intimate relationship with our freshwater resources will allow us to promote sustainability within the institution and throughout the community and region.

Goal 5.1 – Create a campus-wide sustainability plan that can adapt to our changing worldview and prioritize eco-friendliness.

Strategies:

• 5.1.1 Establish a sustainability office on campus that will coordinate sustainability initiatives and develop a campus-wide sustainability plan.
• 5.1.2 Develop a campus-wide sustainability plan that emphasizes carbon neutrality, responsible consumption of resources, and sustainability education for students and staff.
• 5.1.3 Expand the mission of the Center for Freshwater Research and Education to include sustainability-related academic programming.

Goal 5.2 – Reduce overall resource consumption on campus.

Strategies:

• 5.2.1 Complete a sustainability audit with the goal of reducing the use of Styrofoam, plastic, and other non-recycled or non-compostable waste.
• 5.2.2 Determine the feasibility of implementing of green energies on campus, such as solar and wind energy.
• 5.2.3 Reduce overall energy consumption on campus.
• 5.2.4 Enact a campus-wide recycling initiative.
• 5.2.5 Analyze current practices and implement strategies to reduce and offset campus printing and paper consumption.
• 5.2.6 Reduce food waste within campus dining operations.

Goal 5.3 – Increase sustainability-based engagement across campus and in the community.

Strategies:

• 5.3.1 All academic programs contain some outcome measure related to sustainability or offer at least one sustainability-related course by 2025.
• 5.3.2 Increase the number of faculty and students conducting sustainability-related research.
• 5.3.3 Establish a campus-wide sustainability committee to provide analysis and recommendations for sustainability initiatives.
• 5.3.4 Increase the number of sustainability-related campus-wide lectures and symposia.
• 5.3.5 Develop plans and implement sustainability initiatives for university-owned natural areas.
• 5.3.6 Develop a campus-wide marketing campaign promoting sustainability efforts and achievements in sustainability.

Goal 5.4 – Promote sustainability throughout the community.

Strategies:

• 5.4.1 Develop an international freshwater-related consortium of local and regional institutions, including those in Canada, Tribal organizations, and government interests.
• 5.4.2 Develop sustainability-related programs and events targeting the community.
• 5.4.3 Establish a community organic garden and/or partner with the City of Sault Ste. Marie on composting and organic gardening.
• 5.4.4 Participate in regional carbon offset initiatives.
• 5.4.5 Increase the number of planted trees throughout campus and university-owned natural areas.
• 5.4.6 Establish a campus apiary.
• 5.4.7 Develop a Campus Grounds Master Plan that includes associated habitat for pollinating bees.