We are now involved in a new school year with an ambitious agenda of ongoing initiatives for the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. The 2004-05 year was one of great accomplishment, and it seems only right that we share our successes with you. The faculty, staff and administration are focused toward the fulfillment of the mission and strategic plan. The mission states the school will "educate its students to become successful, principled leaders with a global perspective." The strategic plan of the school is a living document, daily directing the decisions made and actions taken. This month's e-letter is our strategic plan scorecard, a report on the achievements of the past year. In the future, I will cite work already underway for the 2005-06 school year.


W. Randy Boxx
rboxx@su.edu

Goal 1: Recruit, develop and retain dedicated students

• Worked directly with the Office of Admissions in recruitment functions on and off campus.
• Assigned a professional recruiter for the Winchester iBBA degree program.
• Established an undergraduate business articulation agreement with Lord Fairfax Community College.
• Implemented a short-term marketing plan.
• Revamped the business school Web site.
• Offered individualized mentoring to students.
• Offered relevant curricula and provided development opportunities for students through study abroad programs and internships.
• Implemented the Byrd Freshmen Initiative to help first-year students adjust to college life.

Goal 2: Recruit, develop and retain dedicated faculty

• Hired four new faculty (two on probationary/career contract and two visiting) for the business school.
• Provided orientation and mentoring for new faculty.
• Provided support for faculty research presentations at professional conferences.
• Provided annual assessment of faculty performance with feedback to maintain current and academic qualifications.
• Recognized faculty accomplishments in teaching, scholarship and service through three new faculty awards.
• Continued work toward the creation of a high-quality learning environment (a new academic building) with appropriate educational technologies.
• Established the Byrd Research Colloquium for faculty research discussions.

Goal 3: Develop and maintain excellent physical and technological resources

• Raised the majority of the funds for the new business school building, and fund raising activities continue.
• Preparing detailed construction documents for the building.

Goal 4: Expand external support

• Collaborated with the Office of the President, Office of Development, Board of Advisors and the Byrd Alumni Club to build relationships and raise funds.

Goal 5: Enhance relevant degree programs and curricula

• Developed and implemented the new iBBA program for incoming fall 2005 freshmen and transfer students.
• Developed a new MBA program that will be implemented during the fall 2006 semester.
• Expanded internships, study-abroad opportunities, on-site company visits and guest speakers for classroom discussions.

Goal 6: Strengthen student learning skills and competencies

• Developed learning goals for the iBBA and MBA programs.
• Discussed the creation of an Institute for Entrepreneurship, a means to operationalize the school’s vision.

Goal 7: Enhance global-learning opportunities for students and faculty

• Launched a new study-abroad program for students to the United Kingdom.
• Business students and faculty participated in the university’s Global Citizenship Project this spring.

Goal 8: Strengthen faculty teaching and scholarship

• Business school faculty member participated in the teaching workshop sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges.
• Faculty participated in the newly-created Byrd Research Colloquium.
• New faculty participated in the New Faculty Teaching Workshop.
• Three faculty were recognized with newly-created awards for outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.
• Utilized the new Executive-in-Residence program to increase interaction with students, faculty and the business community.

Goal 9: Increase student involvement in the functioning of the business school

• Created a Student Advisory Board (name changed by students to Student Action Board) to provide regular input on positively impacting the operation of the school.

Goal 10: Develop assessment programs to monitor school progress

• Developed and completed the following assessments: strategic management assessment; student experience assessment; assurance of learning assessment; faculty qualifications and performance assessment; alumni assessment and employer assessment.

Goal 11: Increase effectiveness of school and administrative activities

• Executed a new strategic plan for the school, directing resources to the accomplishment of the mission and strategic goals.
• Implemented Byrd School Operating Guidelines, formalizing processes, policies and procedures for the proper functioning of the school.
• Put into operation new faculty committees for planning, operations and governance.

Goal 1: Increase engagement with the external community

• Established and formalized the Byrd Alumni Club to enhance alumni involvement in the academic life of the school.
• Added new members to the board of advisors and increased the participation of current members.
• Met regularly with business executives to increase involvement in school activities and initiatives.
• Brought outstanding business leaders to campus to speak to students, faculty, alumni and the community.

Goal 2: Execute marketing plan to increase school visibility and image

• Implemented a short-term marketing plan for the school.
• Developed a strategic plan pamphlet to distribute to key stakeholders.

Goal 3: Improve school Web site for communication purposes

• Rebuilt the Web site to expand navigation, improve functionality and present up-to-date information.

Goal 4: Recognize students and faculty for extraordinary accomplishments

• Enhanced the Student Awards Program as part of the 2005 spring graduation activities.
• Developed and presented outstanding faculty awards for teaching, scholarship and service at the spring 2005 faculty awards ceremony.

Goal 5: Provide high-quality career services and opportunities for students

• Established a Faculty Liaison Career Services Committee to improve counseling, internship and placement services for business students.
• Utilized the Executive-in-Residence program to interact with students and provide career information and advice.
• Involved alumni in the Byrd Freshmen Initiative by conducting an orientation program for new fall 2005 students; discussed careers and skill development.

Goal 6: Obtain AACSB International accreditation

• Submitted updated Candidacy Report to AACSB International.
• Developed Byrd School Operating Guidelines.
• Drafting the Self-Evaluation Report, due May 2006.
• Provided regular updates on school accreditation issues to faculty and other stakeholders.