The Strategic Plan - Mount Mercy University

We can never say “it is enough.”Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy

community in the 21st century,empower our students to be leaders in their professions and communities.Welcome to Mount Mercy’s strategic plan for 2008–2012. We thank you for your interest inMount Mercy and its future.This plan builds upon our mission, values and vision as a Catholic institution of higher learning,founded by the Sisters of Mercy, and providing a high quality student-focused education at boththe undergraduate and graduate levels.Our plan is intended to provide the vital context and outcomes for us to become Mount MercyUniversity, recognized regionally for academic distinction as a small- to mid-size university andas a national leader within the Conference of Mercy Higher Education. This strategic plan iscentral to our evolution as a vibrant intellectual community in the 21st century, providing a rangeof educational experiences designed to empower our students to be leaders in their professionsand communities. The plan is also central to our future strength as a sustainable, viable and wellresourced place of learning.The themes and goals in this plan represent growth upon the current strengths of Mount Mercy aswell as setting out new challenges for achieving institutional development and renewal. Many ofthe goals here are already being addressed. By highlighting them we are providing a road-map forinstitutional direction and a framework for prioritizing our energies and resources in the comingyears. These goals will enable us to establish key objectives and measures for institutional renewal,under the leadership of each division and its head.This strategic plan will also be frequently monitored in its progress by our Strategic PlanningAdvisory Committee, charged with its implementation and responsible for its oversight. Thatmonitoring will include regular feedback to the campus community and to the Board of Trusteeson the implementation, development and progress of the plan.

Our MissionMount Mercy is a Catholic College providing student-focused baccalaureate and graduateeducation in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy.As a Catholic college founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Mount MercyCollege welcomes women and men of all beliefs to join our community in the pursuit ofbaccalaureate and graduate education and service to those in need.Mount Mercy College promotes reflective judgment, strategic communication, thecommon good and purposeful living through a core curriculum, liberal arts andprofessional majors and student development programs.We strive for excellence in accomplishing our mission through our fourinterdependent goals:

Using reflective judgmentThe abilities to think clearly and carefully, argue coherently and evaluate competingtruth claims critically are fundamental to a college education. Reflective judgmentrequires a knowledge of basic fact, examination and evaluation of assumptions, adequatejustification for drawing a conclusion and understanding implications of drawing thatconclusion. With these skills, individuals can solve problems creatively and integrateknowledge across disciplines.Engaging in strategic communicationStrategic communication requires selecting from a range of options in order to accomplisha chosen goal in an ethical manner. These options include construction and interpretationof messages in the written, oral and aesthetic forms using appropriate technology.Serving the common goodThe common good is at the heart of Catholic social teaching. Because persons are social bynature, every individual’s good relates necessarily to the common good, the sum of socialconditions that allows all people to reach their human potential more fully. It includesrespect for and ethical interaction with every person and the natural environment and, inthe spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, service for the wellbeing of all humanity and action in thecause of justice in the world.Promoting purposeful livingA liberal education enables persons to achieve a greater degree of freedom upon which toact purposefully. Since development of purpose entails planning for life based on a set ofpriorities, Mount Mercy College provides opportunities for spiritual growth, intellectualengagement, vocational clarity, social development, physical well-being, emotionalmaturity and responsible community leadership.Approved by Board of Trustees October 29, 2005Amended by Board of Trustees April 28, 2007

Our VisionBy the year 2015 Mount Mercy College will be known as Mount Mercy University. It will be adistinguished regional institution in the Catholic intellectual tradition and a national leader withinMercy higher education, recognized for its:Academic Life where learning in the Mercy tradition is academically acclaimed and theuniversity’s integrated approach to the liberal arts, professional preparation and servicelearning creates a community and culture of free inquiry, social responsibility andpurposeful living.Student Experiences which foster a vibrant university community where a diverse studentpopulation participates in campus activities, strong residential programs, internationalexperiences, and personal and spiritual growth in an atmosphere promoting service to thecommon good.Institutional Resources with robust finances, a campus environment, and human resources toaccommodate growth in quality and quantity of undergraduate and graduate studentsand realize the full potential and reputation of a successful small to mid-size regionaluniversity.Community Outreach where Mount Mercy is the educational partner of choice in relationshipwith the business community, other educational institutions, alumni, parents, arearesidents, civic organizations and other local and national organizations.Approved by Board of Trustees April 28, 2007

ur vision calls for Mount Mercy to become a university.Our Plan for Mount Mercy UniversityOur vision calls for Mount Mercy to become a university. With that status it will be adistinguished regional institution in the Catholic intellectual tradition and a national leaderwithin Mercy higher education. This strategic plan sets out the steps to that accomplishment.

Theme #1: A Vibrant Teaching and Learning EnvironmentGoal #1Goal #2Goal #3Goal #4Goal #5Goal #6Mount Mercy University is committed to building a challenging and engaging teaching andlearning environment that is grounded in the Mercy tradition. The academic programs andenvironment will be acclaimed because of the University’s distinctive, integrated approachto the liberal arts, professional preparation and service learning. The environment willcreate a culture and community of free inquiry, social responsibility and purposeful livingthrough academic and co-curricular programs.To implement a complete review of academic and co-curricular programs, including afocused re-vitalization of our core curriculum, to support our aspiration as a leadingMercy university.To develop and implement several thriving graduate programs.To identify and strengthen a diverse group of pipeline academic programs, experiencesand partnerships that increase enrollment, enhance community engagement, and assistretention.To strengthen and support faculty development, scholarship and qualifications.To revise the organizational structure of our academic departments to increase efficiency,define chair roles and encourage interdisciplinary work, where the liberal arts andprofessional preparation are integrated and promoted.To obtain institutional re-accreditation without sanctions by the Higher LearningCommission of the North Central Association.

Theme #2: Student ExperiencesGoal #1Goal #2Goal #3Goal #4Goal #5Mount Mercy University will foster an engaged university community where a diversestudent population participates in campus activities, strong residential programs,international experiences, and personal and spiritual growth in an atmosphere promotingservice to the common good. The campus community will focus on a culture of studentcenterednessand student wellness through efficient processes and services. A focus on globalawareness and the inclusiveness of all cultures will be woven into student experiences.To implement new and thriving study-abroad initiatives with participation by faculty,students and staff from across a broad range of programs and departments.To ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in field experiences, practicaand/or internships.To sustain a vibrant intellectual community supported by an Honors program thatdemonstrates innovative pedagogy, interdisciplinary inquiry, and faculty-studentcollaboration.To strengthen and increase student engagement in culturally rich student clubs,organizations, and co-curricular activities.To develop athletic programming and facilities that enhance the recruitment, retentionand success of a diverse body of student-athletes, and promote the physical wellness ofall students

Theme #3: Sustainable Institutional ResourcesMount Mercy University commits to implementing mission through the sustainablegrowth of a robust and responsible financial environment, an engaging campusenvironment, and the human resources necessary to accommodate growth in quality andquantity of undergraduate and graduate students. We commit to reach the full potentialand reputation of a successful small- to mid-size regional Mercy university through acampus-wide focus on quality and accountability.Goal #1To achieve an enrollment goal of 1800 students with a programmatically balancedpopulation, while utilizing best practices for recruitment and retention.Goal #2To develop and implement a successful comprehensive fund-raising campaign, includingcapital, endowment, and annual fund goals.Goal #3To develop and implement an environmentally responsible and community consciouscampus facilities master plan.Goal #4To convert all campus administrative software to the SunGard Powercampus system.Goal #5To implement a plan assuring equitable and competitive compensation for faculty and staff.Goal #6To enhance professional growth and accountability through the development ofperformance plans for the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff of the University.Goal #7To launch the Wenig Road University Center as a high quality, operational and staffed offcampussite with enrolled and delivered non-traditional classes.Goal #8To provide best-practice programs of financial aid and financial planning to enhancestudent recruitment, strengthen student financial literacy and responsibility, and minimizestudent debt.Goal #9To review and update our campus committee structure to increase efficiency andcommunication.

Theme #4: Visibility, Marketing and OutreachGoal #1Goal #2Goal #3Goal #4Mount Mercy University commits to becoming increasingly visible in the Midwest and inthe Conference of Mercy Higher Education through appropriate marketing efforts anddedicated community outreach. The University will be the educational partner of choicein relationships with the business community, educational institutions, area residents, andcivic organizations in the region. The commitment to visibility also includes an increasedfocus on internal communication and celebration of success.To implement an integrated and comprehensive regional marketing plan.To strengthen and communicate effectively the Mount Mercy brand internally andexternally, ensuring quality, consistency, and uniformity of electronic and printcommunications.To increase the number and diversity of community outreach programs and activities, andto use these for internal and external marketing.To share and promote the histories, stories, and expertise of members of the Mount Mercycommunity in order to increase internal and external visibility

Mount Mercy University will be an ecumenically sensitiveCatholic university, where students’ spiritual development willbe a core experience, where religious diversity will be welcomed,and where the Catholic intellectual tradition and the inspirationof the Sisters of Mercy are discernible and resonant.Theme #5: Catholic Identity and Mercy MissionMount Mercy University commits to develop its Catholic identity through its spirituallife, curricular and co-curricular programming, and service to the community. It willdo this through a robust campus ministry life, contemporary Catholic sacramental andliturgical life, opportunities for inter-denominational worship, and clear dedication to theprinciples of service learning. Mount Mercy University will be an ecumenically sensitiveCatholic university, where students’ spiritual development will be a core experience, wherereligious diversity will be welcomed, and where the Catholic intellectual tradition and theinspiration of the Sisters of Mercy are discernible and resonant.Goal #1To explore and strengthen the Catholic intellectual tradition in the Mount Mercyeducational experience.Goal #2To increase significantly the number of students who engage in community service andservice learning.Goal #3To identify and strengthen the connection between the Mercy traditions and the work ofthe University.Goal #4To foster a community of tolerance and inclusiveness where diversity among faculty, staff,and students is supported to strengthen our sense of identity and community.Goal #5To strengthen distinctive campus ministry programming, including the liturgical andsacramental life on campus, involving broad participation from faculty, staff, and students.

Health of the College: Key Performance IndicatorsKey Performance Indicators (KPI’s) can provide a quick snapshot of critical areas of the emerging University.Since rarely does a single measure convey the status of the institution, multiple KPI’s have been selected tohelp provide a more holistic view of Mount Mercy. This document contains current measures and aspirationaloutcomes. These targets provide potential and likely outcomes to our four year strategic plan. Like all plansand anticipated outcomes, these may be subject to refinement and revision as the plan is implemented.Current (Fall 2007) Aspirational (Fall 2012)Total semester headcount 1506 1800Total new student headcount (all programs) 513 690Traditional program headcount 1106 1175Accelerated program headcount 400 500Number of enrollments-accelerated 849 classes 1000 classesGraduate program headcount 0 125Full-Time Equivalency 1237 1440Freshmen retention rate 70% 78%Residential student headcount (live on campus) 365 450Percentage of occupancy of residential housing 70% 90%Student satisfaction rating:experiencing intellectual growth 5.47 5.90commitment to academic excellence 5.46 5.90being made to feel welcome 5.37 5.90Number of graduates per year 392 455Graduation rate – 4 year (5 year average) 52% 54%Composite Financial Index (5 year average) 4.34 5.50Return on net asset ratio 8.6 inflation + 3 to 4%Tuition dependency 65% 55%Tuition discount rate* 31% 34%Unrestricted annual fund $1,100,000 $1,500,000Alumni giving participation rate 19% 25%Total value of endowment $20,000,000 $28,000,000Endowment per student FTE $18,000 $19,500Capital campaign total gifts $ 0 $30,000,000Student/faculty ratio 12:1 13:1Percent of faculty with terminal degrees 56% 70%Off-campus delivery sites** 0 2International program partnerships 1 4Higher Learning Commission accreditation accredited to 2012 re-accredited in 2012NAIA number of sports offered 13 15*currently undergoing revision**Hawkeye Community College and Wenig Road

Strategic Planning Advisory Committee 2007–2008This plan was developed by the following members of the campuscommunity during the 2007–2008 academic year.Molly Altorfer, Director of Communications and MarketingColette Atkins, Advance Program DirectorDianne Austad ’84, Executive Assistant to the PresidentChristopher Blake, Committee Chair and PresidentMichael Wayne Bohannon ’08Dave Dennis, Director of FacilitiesDavid Doerge, Associate Professor of Political ScienceKate Getty, Dean of EnrollmentMelody Graham, Director of Graduate StudiesDebbie Green, Vice President for Institutional AdvancementJim Grove, Professor of EnglishLori Heying, Director of Institutional ResearchStephanie Klein ’09, President, Student Government AssociationJohn Marsden, Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsSr. Judith Meyers, Director of Mission IntegrationJoy Ochs, Associate Professor of EnglishBarb Pooley, Vice President for Finance and Business OperationsScot Reisinger, Director of AthleticsJoe Sheller, Associate Professor of CommunicationConnie Snitker, Director of Campus ComputingBrenda Steinke, Coordinator of Recreation and WellnessSr. Catherine Stewart, Associate Professor of EducationTeresa Wery, Assistant Bookstore ManagerThis plan was approved by the Mount MercyCollege Board of Trustees on May 3, 2008.The Board on that date consisted of:Charles A. Rohde, ChairmanBarbara A. Knapp, Vice ChairSister Kathy R. Thornton, Ph.D. ’66, SecretarySister Shari M. Sutherland ’71, Assistant SecretaryMartin L. AndreasThomas C. BarbeeBarbara A. Barhamand ’77Christopher R.L. Blake, Ph.D., Ex-OfficioF. James BradleyMichele M. BusseTerri A. ChristoffersenLoren L. CoppockMagda M. GolobicNancy KasparekRobert F. KazimourC. John LingeJames M. NikrantSister Mary Lou Podzimek ’66H. Thomas ReedJohn M. RinderknechtEmmett J. ScherrmanRobert R. SchoeberlDyan C. SmithA. James TinkerRev. Msgr. Thomas E. Toale, Ph.D.Sister Margaret Weigel ’66Timothy S. WhiteBrandt A. WorleyExecutive Officers of the InstitutionChristopher R.L. Blake, Ph.D, PresidentJohn P. Marsden, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsBarbara Parks Pooley, CPA, CMA, Vice President for Finance and Business OperationsDeborah K. Green, Vice President for Institutional AdvancementJennifer Sue Oatey, Ph.D., Vice President for Enrollment and Student ServicesDianne M. Austad ’84, Executive Assistant to the President

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