Fifth Year Maintenance Report - University of Minnesota

• Provide programs that improve the practice of business and economic development in the
region while offering outreach and experiential-based learning opportunities.
• Share the expertise of the School with organizations in the immediate and extended
regions.
Finally, in the spirit of continuous quality improvement, and in order to keep the School and its
programs and course offerings as current and relevant as possible, the School stands ready to
examine changes in programs (additions or deletions) and the development of new programs,
when opportunities arise from whatever source.
B. Changes in Our Mission Statement
This new statement includes several changes from the version that was in place at the time of our
initial accreditation:
• Our mission now states that we aim to contribute to both the intellectual and personal
growth of individuals. In the last version, we simply stated ―growth.‖
• We explicitly state that our primary focus is undergraduate teaching, rather than simply
―teaching.‖
• We note our primary emphasis is on ―discipline-based intellectual contributions.‖
• We added a Vision Statement.
• As an addition to our objectives, our educational programs are designed to provide our
students with an understanding and appreciation of the relationship between
organizations and the environment (including sustainability).
C. How Our Mission Statement Is Updated and Communicated to Key
Stakeholders
Various forms of evidence suggest that our key stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, the
University administration, members of our Board of Advisors, recruiters of our students, alumni,
and the regional business community) are in agreement with and supportive of our mission. First,
these stakeholders were involved in LSBE mission development and adoption. The LSBE Board
of Advisors as well as the LSBE senate members (which includes faculty, staff, and students)
were given multiple opportunities to react to the proposed changes. Second, in November of
2006 the new mission statement came before the LSBE Senate. Results of a vote indicated
unanimous approval and adoption of the mission statement as our driving force. Third, beginning
in Fall 2007, we have been making an effort to insure that our stakeholders are aware of our
mission statement, using the following methods:
• LSBE senate members use the document many times during the year during committee
deliberations, senate agenda items, etc.
• The mission statement is a frequent agenda item when the LSBE Board of Advisors
meets.
• Students see the mission statement displayed on the plasma screen in the atrium of LSBE.
• It is featured on the LSBE web page.
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