MSCHE Self Study April 2021

In this section, we will review those four priorities, highlighting self ‐ identified opportunities for improvement and innovation that improves student achievement and advances the College’s Mission and Goals. Following the discussion of each, we will also discuss three additional institutional challenges/opportunities: 1) COVID impact on finances, 2) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and 3) long ‐ term master planning. Priority 1: Enhance the student experience through programs that promote student and alumni success (Strategic Goal 1) Since the last site visit, the College of Optometry has expanded programming and opportunities to support student and alumni success. The overarching goal has been to not only ensure student success in their degree program, but to also provide value ‐ added opportunities that differentiate them after they graduate and position them well to advance in their chosen career path. New or expanded programs such as clinical and academic support services, mental health services, services to address food insecurity, and financial counseling provide foundational support for the successful completion of the degree program. Other efforts through the Career Development Center and student organizations provide co ‐ curricular opportunities to acquire additional knowledge and skills linked to their long ‐ term success. These efforts when combined with curricular options (Priority 2) provide a means for individualizing students’ professional profile even before they begin their career. Through the self ‐ study process, as well as the work of the President’s Task Force on Race and Equity (TFRE), several challenges/opportunities going forward are evident:  Student Success: While our students are generally very successful, it is imperative that we continually monitor and adapt our student support strategies to maintain or improve student outcomes.  Student Success: The 3 rd year of the Doctor of Optometry Degree Program is being shifted from a semester to a quarter system in AY 2021 ‐ 22. This is being done so the calendar allows 3 rd year OD students to prepare better for the National Boards Part 1 exam and to align third year students’ clinical assignments with those of the fourth year students (who are already on a quarter system).  Inclusion: We have made substantial progress on increasing the diversity of our student body, but there is significant room for improvement in ensuring our URM students feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging as members of our community. To this end, in addition to other recommendations of the TFRE, a new position of “Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging” is being created. An offer has been extended and accepted, and the new Director will start in the position on 1 March 2021.  Affordability: Student debt in the health professions has grown significantly over the past decade, particularly as public support has diminished. That burden has an impact on career decisions and additional efforts must be made to keep debt to a minimum. While the College has had a zero default rate for a number of years, increased funding for scholarships and grants will be a growing priority.

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