Science & Technology Strategic Plan


School of Science and Technology

Cameron University

Strategic Plan 2010-2015

Cameron University is a regional, public university serving southwest Oklahoma and a global learning community. The university is governed by The Board of Regents of The University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University within a state system coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Cameron University offers associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree programs.

Cameron University’s School of Science and Technology is composed of seven departments covering the areas of agriculture, biology, computing and technology, mathematics, multimedia design, military science and physical sciences.  Majors select from fourteen (14) baccalaureate programs or six (6) AAS degree programs. In addition, the School provides support for the entire University through the general education program, service courses, remedial course work and more informal ties.

The School of Science and Technology at Cameron University 2010-2015 strategic plan builds on our commitments to student support, higher quality programs, faculty development, and community interaction and on Cameron University’s Plan 2013.

MISSION

The mission of the Cameron University School of Science and Technology is to educate students in an intellectual atmosphere based on excellence in academic work, high ethical standards, and exposure to latest technological advances; to deliver student support which gives our students the skills and confidence to excel as lifelong learners; to ensure success of graduates in a diverse and ever-changing environment; to provide an environment conducive to professional growth for faculty/staff; and to support community efforts relevant to the School mission.

CORE VALUES

  • Student Support
  • High Quality Programs
  • Faculty/Staff Development
  • Community Interaction
Student Support
Strategies Metrics Targets
Students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation
  • A plan will be developed for regular replacement and repair of equipment and instrumentation
  • A plan will be developed for sharing of equipment and instrumentation with other locations and between departments

Students will have access to quality faculty, staff and professionals
  • Opportunities to increase student interaction with visiting faculty and disciplinary experts will be explored
  • Faculty/student collaborative learning activities are offered and will be increased
  • Faculty, staff, and professionals will be recruited that empathize with students, demonstrate subject matter expertise, and are committed to quality teaching
Departments will provide an interdisciplinary environment for student learning
  • A series of interdisciplinary symposia will be offered
  • Development of interdisciplinary courses will be explored
4Students will be encouraged to interact outside of the classroom through club activities, seminars, internships, etc.
  • Science and Technology Clubs will form an Advisory Council
  • Club participation will be monitored annually and incentivized
5Students will have access to financial support
  • Tuition Waiver Scholarships will continue to be offered through the departments of the School of Science and Technology
  • The School will seek additional endowed scholarships
  • Opportunities to obtain grant support for student scholarships will be explored
  • Student awareness of financial support opportunities will be increased
                 
Faculty/Staff Development
Strategies Metrics Targets
Faculty will be aware of current pedagogical practices in the teaching of science and technology
  • Small groups will be created to discuss pedagogical approaches
  • School colloquia will be held focused on sharing current pedagogical practices
  • Pedagogical workshops led by a nationally known S&T educator will be held on a regular basis
Faculty will be aware of multiple course delivery formats
  • A recurring set of workshops will be offered
  • School colloquia will be held focused on course delivery formats
Staff will be aware of current professional practices
  • Dedicated time will be provided for staff training
  • School-specific needs for staff training will be identified
Diverse high quality faculty and staff will be recruited and retained
  • Information regarding professional growth opportunities will be publicized
  • Recognize faculty participation in professional development activities
  • Entry and exit information will be evaluated regularly
  • Faculty will be encouraged to participate in fellowship/sabbatical opportunities
Interdisciplinary ties within the School will be strengthened
  • Team teaching opportunities across departments will be supported
  • Increase the number of interdisciplinary proposals submitted
Mission appropriate scholarship will be promoted and supported
  • Protected time will be supported
  • Support for grant writing will be provided
Community Interaction
Strategies Metrics Targets
Interactions with K-12 will be increased
  • Opportunities for K-12 students to visit and interact with the School of Science and Technology will be increased
  • Collaborative interactions between faculty and K-12 teachers will be fostered
  • Organized opportunities and time for faculty to visit area schools will be provided
Technology center interactions will be increased
  • Possible interactions with math, physical sciences, biological sciences and computing and technology especially in relation to pre-engineering and pre-biomedical fields, will be explored
  • Explore other possible interactions
  • Existing advisory roles will be maintained
Interactions with 2-year colleges and other higher education institutions will be increased
  • Inter-institutional interaction at the faculty and student levels will be encouraged
  • 2+2 programs will be pursued
Interactions between faculty, students, and the private sector will be encouraged
  • Expertise of faculty and students will be made available to the private sector
  • Private sector requests for interactions will be promptly evaluated and explored
  • More faculty interaction with the private sector will be encouraged
  • Student interaction with the private sector will be encouraged and evaluated