Southwest Baptist University

Annual Objectives 2008-2009

Initiative One: Promote a Christ-Centered University

Southwest Baptist University is dedicated to being Christ-centered in all facets of university life. It is the University’s desire to elevate Christian distinctiveness in all areas of the curriculum, student life, athletics, and relationships with constituents.  All faculty and staff have the responsibility of modeling a Christian lifestyle for students and our community.

  1. Increase the percentage of first-time student participants in mission trips by 5%.
  2. Develop a plan for long-term mission funding.

 

Initiative Two: Enrich the Quality of Life for SBU Employees

Southwest Baptist University will improve the quality of life of its employees by providing opportunities for spiritual, physical, professional, and financial advancement.

  1. Finalize the staffing review process and/or forms and implement staff reviews in Fall 2008.
  2. Increase annual salaries by 5%.
  3. Initiate a formalized wellness program in the Fall 2008 with 50% of the faculty and staff.
  4. Determine the amount of funding that is being expended annually for staff professional development and for faculty professional development.

 

Initiative Three: Promote Our Distinctive Identity

Southwest Baptist University continues to be well served by our current mission statement: Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.  Thus, the University will continue to promote excellence in academics and service to Christ.  In addition, SBU will clarify its identity in relation to graduate programs, athletics, diversity, and adult education.

  1. Implement the Noel-Levitz recommendations for SBU website development and maintenance.
  2. Develop an integrated marketing plan for churches and the university areas that serve them.

 

Initiative Four: Support and Strengthen Academic Excellence

Southwest Baptist University will provide student and faculty academic excellence by improving student and faculty learning, enhancing the learning experience, promoting a caring academic community, providing scholarly activities and opportunities for students in and out of the classroom in local, national, and international settings, and upholding academic integrity.

  1. Establish at least one international partnership for providing the MBA program.
  2. Establish a plan for addressing the needs of diverse students.
  3. Increase the funding allocated to instructional and departmental expenditures within the Education and General Expenditures from 44.51% to 44.8% for 2008-09.
  4. Increase the funding allocated to nonathletic organized activities expenditures within the Education and General Expenditures from .36% to .37% for 2008-09.

 

Initiative Five: Plan for Growth and Stewardship of Resources

Because God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, Southwest Baptist University intentionally will plan for growth and stewardship of its physical and human resources. Plans will include identification of current capacity and development of a vision for future growth.  This growth will reflect the mission of the University: to be Christ-centered, caring, and academic in the preparation of servant leaders in a global society.  Growth also will include the development of programs that can meet the unique needs of a changing population.

  1. Study enrollment trends, potential for growth, and tuition rates over the next five years for all SBU campuses.

 

Initiative Six: Plan for Improved Financial Health

Southwest Baptist University will design a plan for improved financial health that is integrated within and responsive to strategic planning.  This plan will align annual and five-year budgeting to strategic planning and will promote the use of a comprehensive financial analysis of all programs.

  1. Implement a five-year financial projection “template” or appropriate planning software.
  2. Develop and finalize the capital campaign plan with specific funding priorities identified.
  3. Implement full cost/responsibility cost accounting.

 

Initiative Seven: Improve the SBU Physical Plant and Environment

Southwest Baptist University will develop a master plan for facilities and grounds maintenance that will ensure that buildings and grounds are inviting, attractive, and well-maintained.  This plan will include a schedule for preventive maintenance and/or renovation of all facilities, as well as for beautification and maintenance of the grounds.  Attractive and well-maintained facilities will provide an atmosphere conducive to effective student learning and will enhance pride in the University.

  1. Develop and implement a Physical Plant Master Plan that will include: preventive maintenance, facilities usage upgrades/updates, recommendations for appropriate Physical Plant staffing levels, and a coordinated plan for campus landscaping and beautification.