The Michigan Tech Plan: Goal 1: Learning

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GOAL 1: LEARNING - Provide an outstanding and relevant learning environment, consistent with a national university of choice

Our first goal links directly to our mission: to benefit the State of Michigan and society as a whole. The following objectives address the needs of the 21st century work force. First, the greatest job growth is in areas that demand a solid grounding in mathematics, science, and technology. Second, many of the new industries are related to emerging areas of science and technology that are interdisciplinary. Quite often, the most exciting areas are the overlaps of areas that already are multi-disciplinary, like bio-, nano-, and information-technology. Third, the explosion in global electronic communication has not only made all modern research truly global, it demands that we educate people who can function in a global and diverse environment. Finally, even in the midst of such changes, every student at Michigan Tech will gain the enriching and broadening academic and co-curricular experiences that have been the hallmark of a university education.

Objectives:

1.1 Provide an excellent foundation in the fundamental principles and areas of creativity and enrichment which are at the core of all university learning.

Strategies:

continuously assess and improve the general education program;
assess curricular outcomes and revise accordingly;
assess the integrated engineering first-year experience and revise accordingly;
increase the use of instructional technology; particularly on-line instruction for remedial courses.

1.2 Provide active, discovery-based learning experiences that include the integration of research and co-op/internship experience.

Strategies:

seek more funding for opportunities such as REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates);
increase participation in the enterprise programs including more disciplines and corporate sponsors;
develop fast-track (honors) program so undergraduates can start early on a professional master’s degree;
provide every interested student with an opportunity to work with faculty on research;
reward and recognize individuals who successfully generate monies in support of these activities.

1.3 Offer programs in new and emerging areas, particularly interdisciplinary areas (e.g. bioinformatics, information technology).

Strategies:

network with all of our stakeholders, e.g., advisory boards, alumni, industry, to identify emerging areas;
seek new state support for emerging areas beyond general fund revenues and pursue all existing state funding opportunities;
create interdisciplinary teams in both undergraduate education and research;
offer flexible undergraduate degree programs and fast-track professional master’s degrees;
structure a system in which cooperation between units is rewarded.

1.4 Repackage programs to keep current with the trends in science and technologies;

Strategies:

look at base line statistics to identify programs and establish criteria for rightsizing;
benchmark with external competitors;
look at overall quality, visibility, critical need and future demand;

1.5 Strengthen our international programs;

Strategies:

integrate the international experience in all educational programs;
strengthen the modern language instructional facility;
ensure a strong international cultural enrichment program;
establish meaningful partnerships with universities and companies abroad with both virtual and real exchanges;
enhance the English as a Foreign Language and culture awareness programs.

1.6 Develop unparalleled classrooms, learning laboratories, and centers that make the best use of information technology, with anywhere, anytime computing and communication.

Strategies:

optimize mix of centralized and decentralized computing infrastructure;
make high-tech instructional technologies available in all classrooms and laboratories and provide instructional support for its implementation;
implement wireless network connectivity in University commons areas such as the Library, the Memorial Union, and selected lecture halls; explore comprehensive laptop environment.

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