MSCHE Self Study April 2021

o The College has a fairly large array of metrics included in its Assessment Plan (Fact Book). The process of accumulating, analyzing and communicating the data is quite cumbersome. The College needs look toward a digital solution that more efficiently integrates the process, including the public display of the data. Priority 3: Grow the graduate and research programs to increase the institutional impact on the advancement of knowledge and to produce leaders in vision research (basic, translational and clinical) (Strategic Goal 3) Since the last site visit in 2011, the College has invested in the development of its graduate and research programs. Our research program has changed significantly, diversifying from a focus in the basic sciences to expand clinical and translational research activity. The expansion of clinical research took form with the development of the Clinical Vision Research Center (CVRC) as a part of the 2008 ‐ 2012 Strategic Plan. The CVRC has been highly successful and remains a priority. Translational research is a target of the 2018 ‐ 2023 Strategic Plan, with new research laboratories recently completed and a couple of new research faculty hires, including one with an expertise in molecular genetic vision research (Dr. Stephanie Wohl) and one in binocular vision (Dr. Jingyun Wang). While funding has remained relatively flat for that last few years, the sources of funding have diversified providing greater financial stability and we have prepared for growth with an investment in our research infrastructure. The expansion is also providing increased training opportunities for both our graduate research students and our OD candidates with a research interest. There is significant opportunity for growth in our research program. Key challenges/opportunities include:  Clinical Research: The CVRC has outgrown its current facility on the 8 th floor. We have gutted an approximately 2,500 sq. ft. area on the 14 th for the construction of a new home for the Center. The design is complete and waiting for budgetary approval to begin the bid process. The new CVRC will allow for a significant expansion of activity.  Faculty Recruitment: A significant challenge for the research program is the recruitment of tenure ‐ track faculty with the ability to attract funding. While there has been some success, it is limited, and a renewed effort will be required. Priority 4: Attract the brightest and most motivated students with demonstrated leadership potential (Strategic Goal 8) As is evident in the metrics, the College has been very successful in attracting a highly qualified student body in each of the degree programs. The College expanded enrollment in the OD program between 2012 and 2016 by 30% while maintaining all quality indicators. Increases in Yield to the mid ‐ 60 percentiles highlights candidates’ identification of the College as their first choice.

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