Institutional Priorities to be Addressed in the Self-Study

In considering the Institutional Priorities to be addressed in the Self-Study, members of the University Community contemplated what makes Saint Elizabeth University unique as well as the factors that provide coherence and continuity through the institution’s rich history and distinctive aspirations. Given the fortuitous overlap in timing between the development of the MSCHE self-study design and the University’s new strategic plan, “Mission Forward, Soaring to Greater Heights,” it became clear to the campus community that three of the new plan’s pillars will provide appropriate priorities for analysis.

These Institutional Priorities begin with recommitting to the Catholic mission of SEU. We regard the mission as a foundation for all other forms of excellence, since the University’s mission and values should guide and inform every action that we undertake. Our mission also motivates us to dedicate ourselves to the needs of those who have been (and still are often) overlooked and underserved in educational attainment. As the Gospel of Matthew reminds us, “as you have done it to the least of these, my brethren, you have done it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). In addition, our mission challenges us to strive for increased fiscal health and operational excellence in order to support our educational responsibilities to our student population. As the saying goes, “no margin, no mission.”

Intended Outcomes of the Self-Study

As a result of the comprehensive self-analysis, Saint Elizabeth University will:

• Demonstrate how the University meets the MSCHE Standards of Accreditation, Requirements of Affiliation (RoA), and compliance with accreditation-relevant federal regulations.
• Produce a thorough and reflective document that identifies clear opportunities and strategies for continuous improvement in the attainment of the University’s mission and its institutional priorities.
• Engage all sectors of the campus community in an inclusive and transparent self-evaluation process.
• Enhance and accelerate institutional, divisional, and program-level assessment as part of the University’s culture of continuous improvement.