Transformative Learning

Inspire Students Through Transformative Learning

Shenandoah University will prioritize rigorous, innovative programs and engaged student learning. 

1. Develop a vibrant environment that fuses liberal and professional learning to produce a world-class education that is broad, inspiring, and relevant.
   1. By 2028, ensure that 100% of the revised ShenEd learning outcomes explicitly align with future-focused societal needs.
   2. By 2028, the percentage of undergraduate students completing a professional work-based learning experience will be at least 90% (e.g., a summer internship, clinical rotation, co-op, or significant community-based learning project).
   3. By 2028, 100% of programs will include a formal, required, credit-bearing, real-world project or experience within the classroom or through a co-curricular experience.
   4. By 2030, the percentage of undergraduate and graduate students who report a strong sense of belonging and inclusion will increase by 10%.
   5. By 2030, the percentage of undergraduate and graduate students who report feeling inspired by their Shenandoah education will be greater than 85%.
   6. By 2030, deepen SU’s commitment to global citizenship by increasing the number of annual GCP trips by 2, increasing the average number of GEL trips offered annually by 2, increasing by 3% the number of international students enrolled in-person in legacy programs, and increasing enrollment in SU-Asia programs by 50%.
2. Develop new interdisciplinary and interprofessional programs, and adapt legacy programs as necessary, to produce competitive, higher-order, forward-thinking graduates who can meet societal needs.
   1. By 2030, 100% of academic programs will have undergone review by an external accreditor or an internal program review process.
   2. By 2029, launch new fully online undergraduate degree programs and new hybrid graduate/professional degree programs that increase programmatic capacity from the adult learner/degree completion segment by 10%.
   3. By 2029, identify at least three emerging high-growth areas for program expansion.
   4. By 2029, identify the top three most critical, future-focused skills and ensure that they are incorporated into the ShenEd curriculum.
   5. By 2030, increase the number of SU undergraduates continuing into SU graduate programs by 15%.
   6. By 2026, identify two legacy programs that, with additional funding and support, could increase enrollment or achieve/improve national ranking.
3. Build and support faculty and staff who educate and inspire students through innovative, rigorous, and student-centered teaching and advising.
   1. By 2028, ensure that at least 75% of full-time faculty have completed a Formal Student Mentoring training
   2. By 2029, at least 85% of all full-time faculty will formally integrate and report on the use of at least one new high-impact, innovative teaching practice into a required course.
   3. By 2030, the percentage of students who Agree or Strongly Agree that their faculty/staff mentor provides “high-quality, personalized, and career-aligned guidance” will be a minimum of 80%.
   4. By 2028, the university will increase support for faculty/staff professional development, research, performance and service by 20%.
   5. By 2030, increase faculty promotion salary raises by at least 10%, and develop and implement a system to reward staff longevity.
4. Employ creative delivery models and emerging technologies to improve academic quality, access and affordability.
   1. By 2027, the university will create curriculum maps for a 3-year accelerated pathway, utilizing J-Term and Summer offerings, for 75% of all existing undergraduate degree programs
   2. By 2027, the university will explore the creation of at least 2 new 3-year (96-credit) degree programs.
   3. . By 2029, launch 3 additional learning opportunities, private-private partnerships, or public-private partnerships in service to the Northern Valley and Loudoun communities.
5. Position SU to maximize student learning with leading-edge assessment, expanding its use to inform program and academic Improvement.
   1. By 2027, ensure that 100% of all undergraduate and graduate degree programs have clearly defined, measurable learning outcomes that are formally linked to both internal and external assessments.
   2. By 2029, 100% of academic program assessments will include a review of the incorporation of high-impact practices (e.g., internships, capstone projects, research, etc.).