Vincennes University

Mission Statement

Vincennes University develops people and enhances communities through accessible, high-quality educational programs, strategic partnerships, and active engagement.

Vision Statement

Vincennes University is a premier learning institution, widely recognized for leadership in innovation and delivery of successful educational experiences. A broad range of program offerings and a commitment to superior service ensure the University's role as an important link in Indiana's economic and cultural vitality. VU is a diverse community whose members all share responsibility for supporting the University's mission and are respected for their contributions.

Vincennes University Values

The members of the Vincennes University Community value:

♦ Personal growth and academic excellence for our students, faculty, and staff.

♦ Collaborative relationships with our stakeholders and communities.

♦ An environment that encourages open dialogue and cooperation.

♦ Continuous improvement through data-informed planning and evaluation.

♦ Cultural enrichment, diversity, and individual freedom.

Vincennes University Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The six strategic priorities identified by the Board of Trustees and vetted by VU stakeholders, represent important areas of new and continued investment of resources intended to further the Mission and Vision of Vincennes University, while embodying the institution’s core values.

1. Enhance Enrollment and Recruitment Efforts

To remain a vital contributor to Indiana’s Big Goal: 60% of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential by 2025, VU must increase the pipeline of students entering into its programs of study. VU will do this by focusing on increasing enrollment from existing student populations, while also reaching out to new populations, such as incumbent workers and adults. VU will strive to diversify its student body by engaging the entire university in these efforts. VU will continue to invest in the exploration and development of alternative delivery models in order to make a VU education accessible to a diverse and changing populations of students.

2. Emphasize Partnerships with Industry, K-12, and Higher Education

Already a partner of choice among industry, k-12, and higher education institutions, VU will build upon existing partnerships and seek to establish new ones. VU will seek to expand opportunities for work-based learning partnerships, develop pathways for traditional and adult students to leverage previous learning and credentials, and look for opportunities to eliminate hurdles that reduce student access and success. This will be accomplished through a commitment to listening to partners’ needs, a commitment to quality, an orientation toward innovation, and a willingness to employ new approaches in the design and development of partnership solutions.

3. Improve Student Retention and Success

In concert with Strategic Priority One, improving student retention is key to helping students achieve success in earning a VU credential. The university is committed to providing all students with the support needed to help them overcome obstacles to success, including academic, social, and financial barriersVU will: 1) invest in the continuation of new and existing efforts that are working, 2) test new ideas and expand those that show promise, and 3) be innovative in the development of new strategies and approaches that will improve student retention and, ultimately, student success.

4. Cultivate Internal and External Resources

The university is committed to remaining one of Indiana’s best values in education. VU’s commitment to delivering high-quality programs includes an ongoing commitment to be efficient in the use of existing resources. At the same time, VU must investigate and find ways to expand its resource base. VU is committed to fostering growth and development of our faculty and staff through on-boarding, continuous training, and professional development. The university, along with its partner, the Vincennes University Foundation, will expand efforts to increase fund raising and support of the university through scholarships and other activities. VU will also examine ways to enhance the strategic contributions of VU programs not supported by the general fund.

5. Identify and Investigate Opportunities to Establish New Programs and Enhance Existing Programs

Through interaction and planning with various external stakeholders, VU will continue to explore opportunities to establish new curricula and adapt existing programming to changing conditions and emerging factors. Advisory councils and higher education partners will be leveraged to more systematically inform faculty and administration of new and emerging opportunities and will inform VU’s robust program review process. Changing conditions, including shifts in demographics, economics, and technology, are shortening the life cycle of many programmatic opportunities, especially in workforce development areas. VU will become an even more responsive and nimble organization, while keeping the end in mind at all times, by developing well-defined processes for determining entry and exit parameters of new programmatic ventures.

6. Develop and Implement a Communication Strategy that Promotes and Reinforces VU’s Role and Identity with Indiana and Elsewhere

Vincennes University occupies a unique and historic place within the higher education landscape, both in Indiana and throughout the U.S. VU will invest in activities to refine the university’s brand and confirm its relevance to today’s audiences. The new communication strategy will ensure that the “VU story” is accurately and consistently depicted through various media and through a complete redesign of the VU website. Efforts will be made to increase engagement with VU alumni and other stakeholders in the development of the VU story and in communicating it with prospective students and the public.