Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

The Office of Student and Family Transitions at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is dedicated to supporting first-year and transfer students and their families through their transition to UNK. By providing programs, resources, and communication tailored to their needs, we ensure they are equipped with the connections and tools necessary to succeed from enrollment to their second year.

Vision Statement

To empower first year and transfer students and their families to thrive at UNK by fostering a sense of belonging, providing tools for success, and connecting them to resources that support their transition into the Loper community.

Core Values

  • Student-Centered: Programs and services prioritize the unique needs of first year and transfer students and their families.
  • Collaborative: Partnerships with campus and community stakeholders ensure integrated and effective support.
  • Intentional: Each initiative is designed with clear goals and outcomes to enhance student success.
  • Personalized and Supportive: We design programs and communication that recognize the unique experiences of each student and family, ensuring they receive relevant resources and guidance at every stage of their transition.

Goals and Measures

Short-Term Goals (6 Months)

  1. Strengthen Program Assessment and Data Collection
    • Subgoal 1: Determine success and effectiveness measures for each program.
      • Establish clear metrics for evaluating program impact and effectiveness.
      • Develop a logic model for SFT programs to clarify inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
    • Subgoal 2: Reevaluate SFT-led quantitative and qualitative data collection.
      • Review and update the six-week and end-of-year surveys to ensure alignment with SFT mission.
      • Partner with Enrollment Technology Strategies to integrate survey data into broader student success analytics.
  2. Map the First Year and Transfer Student Experience
    1. Subgoal 1: Create the full experience map for both first year and transfer students.
      1. Identify all SFT touchpoints, programs, and communication efforts for each stage of the student and journey.
      2. Work with campus stakeholders to confirm collaboration points and communication handoffs.
    2. Subgoal 2: Use the journey map to determine program successes and gaps.
      1. Analyze the map to identify opportunities to better fulfill the SFT mission.
      2. Propose new initiatives or adjustments to address gaps and enhance the student transition experience.

Long-Term Goals (2-3 Years)

  1. Improve Retention Rates:
    • Increase the Fall-Spring and Fall-Fall retention of first year and transfer students through targeted interventions and expanded support.
  2. Build a Comprehensive and Predictable Transition Model:
    • Establish a fully integrated support system that aligns with each stage of the student journey from enrollment to the second year.
  3. Track and Share the Impact and Successes of SFT:
    • Develop a system for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data that demonstrates the effectiveness and value of SFT programs to stakeholders.

Comprehensive Self-Study and Program Review (Fall 2028)

The strategic plan will culminate in a self-study and program review in Fall 2028. This review will:

  • Assess the effectiveness of all programs and initiatives implemented since the plan’s inception.
  • Include input from students, families, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Result in a report with recommendations for the next phase of SFT development.