STRATEGIC VISION

Strategic Vision Home
Planning Process
Planning Stages
University Creed
Mission
Vision
Areas
   - Intellectual Capital
   - Community & Service
   - Economic Development
   - Discovery & Innovation

Strategic Themes

Strategic Initiatives Update
Review Community Ideas
Resources
News and Media
 




Strategic Plan

strategic vision themes

INVESTMENT

 

Idea
The entire idea of education is discovery & innovation.We need to foster creativity EVERYWHERE & invest more in arts which impacts across all disciplines.MU needs an arts vision &  plan as it has the potential to deepen student's knowledge in all fields.
I think what we really need here at Marshall are the things that truly make a university work: more classroom and educational facilities, more permanent faculty members, more office space for departments, more funding for basic faculty research and travel, and more attention given to the basic missions of the institution in teaching, research and service. Even if no new programs, degrees options or educational innovations result, I think the best legacy any president could leave an institution is the knowledge that he has secured those things which the institution as already doing and left the school with a better sense of morale, and an improved feeling of well-being than it had before.
Establish an MU "business directory" listing MU alumni, their business and their business address. Sell it to alumni to support MU, use it as source for fundraising contacts, encourage cross referrals for business development. 
I feel that we need a new computer data base that enables all MU fund raising groups to share alumni contact information and coordinate efforts.  This would include Big Green, MU Alumni Assoc., Student groups (frat. & Soroities) the MU foundation.
Nationally recognized and successful bball and Fall program will incrase awareness of MU.  Attracting a national coach with a winning reputation will allow Marshall to continue to move up in its conference membership and would increase revenue tremendously.
A nationally recognized and successful basketball and football programs will increase awareness of Marshall University.  Nationally prominent coaches will allow Marshall to continue to move up in its conference memberships and increase revenue for the university.

 
In recent years MU has gained national recognition through the visibility of football.  While one can debate D-1 football, the fact remains that major sports bring major recognition.  Men's basketball and football must be strengthend for the good of MU.
1. forums for community input will likely not generate realistic initiatives. 2.corridor between MU campus and Huntington downtown could be developed as a campus culture corridor. 3.MU should focus on developing community programs that enhance the quality of life, stimulate the economy, and generate learning experiences for students. What can MU do to help Huntington become a "top 100" small city?
Obtain and implement OhioLINK membership, opening up access to major scientific/technical/engineering/medical journal literature.
MU should work with local government and business to establish a Huntington-Charleston intercity transportation system on 64 which would fulfill a need for transporting students and faculty between our two campuses and spur economic growth for the region.
promote,promote,promote the Pullman Square Shuttle.  This is an extremely valuable asset not only for the obvious economic value but for Marshall related events like ball games, music concert events at the stadium),etc.
Consider contracting for packaged pricing for job opening advertisements. This could be used by all University departments with publications such as The Chronicle and could save the University thousands of dollars on a yearly basis. 
How do we create a campus infrastructure which supports and encourages faculty and staff involvement in engagement?  1. Empower and create an atmosphere that encourages engagement. Time is a critical need. 2. Lobbing the legislature from a grass roots effort from a community base to make sure Marshall is getting the appropriate resources. More money for faculty. 3. Faculty needs to be encouraged to be more creative to go beyond the classroom and into the community for service. Create the need. For example do a PR campaign for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. 
Provide routine IT training programs for faculty, staff and students on computer software capabilities. Tremendous inefficiencies exist due to lack of optimal use of IT resources. Current inadequate option is to pay for training from operating budget.
We need to pay faculty/staff more to recruit better employees to better serve students.STUDENTS are the voice of campus. They are the reason the University is here and they are NEVER listented to.While it's nice to have donors, STUDENTS KEEP US IN BUSINESS
actually paying the staff what they are worth is a start towards an academic university. I know a doctor who won't leave his current teaching job for marshall, it would require a pay cut for him to move to Marshall from a public High School.  That's Sad!
As one of the largest employers in the area, Marshall needs to ensure the highest pay possible for its staff and encourage quality hiring and retention.  Anything less promotes mediocrity.
The development of a scholarship for the children and dependents of Marshall employees will increase enrollment, increase the morale of the faculty and staff, and build greater loyalty to the institution.
I am a student and I believe that the most important step that Marshall University needs to take involves the hiring of more and better faculty and the retention of current faculty.  We have built the facilities.  Now, we need to focus on the faculty.
Hire more full-time professors. There's nothing worse than sitting in a class taught by a crabby part-time faculty member who wants the full-time job with the university.
The bottom line is Marshall has to hire more teachers.Take for example the Elem. Education program-One teacher,teaches one class that EVERY elem education major must take and they only teach two sections during a semester.Programs need teachers to grow.
In order to attract and retain qualified faculty, we have to take faculty needs and concerns seriously. More than salary, it takes research support and infrastructure updates. I am highly skeptical of Marshall's future ability to recruit qualified faculty
I believe that competitive faculty salaries must continue to be a high priority.  I may have returned to Marshall had I not had to take a 10% pay cut to do so.  Faculty at WIAC schools shouldn't have to take pay cuts to come to Conference USA schools.
Of course, you are aware of this area -- faculty salaries. I served on many search committees while at MU as a professor. I know in the journalism area that MU salaries make it difficult to attract quality professors.
Improve faculty salaries and overhaul retirement and medical benefits. It will help with retaining and hiring excellent faculty members.
Increase faculty salaries
there should be a plan to improve the competitiveness of our sports teams in C-USA. also there should be a plan to improve the facilities 
New Art Building- growing art department has a floor and half a garage.  Art building is designed and promised for 5 years.  Actively seek funding please.  I am a grad of the program and want a better experience for those who come after me. 
A new baseball stadium in town to advance our program to CUSA levels.  An indoor practice facility and also a rec center for students, facility, and athletes.  You could also open this up to alumni.  Thanks.
Sports is vital for income for any university.  There needs to be A LOT of attention placed on the baseball program.  The coaches discourage players. They deceive the players & family supporters with marathon games that don't exist. MU needs a new field.
We must support the concept that athletic success helps foster the success of the university. Investments must be made to revenue generating athletic programs to keep them competitive with our CUSA rivals. Indoor Practice facility, baseball stadium, etc.
Expand both undergraduate & graduate offerings in Teays Valley and Charleston. Build a suitable facility in Teays Valley.
To increase the out-of-state recruitment market, additional resources will be needed to support the development of quality publications and additional travel.
Every university in the Appalachian region should have programs dedicated to preserving the land, culture and history of Appalachia.
We need a Center for Appalachian Studies that would include history, ecology and economics. The Appalachians are some of the oldest mountains in the world and seem to lack our intellectual curiosity.Students need a better sense of history and science.
We should develop more "inverted degrees"  matching Associate of Applied Science with a 4-year program.  This strategy has been very successful at Southern Illinois U. @ Carbondale, Evergreen, Univ. of Wisconsin, Univ. of Montana, Wayne State, & Whitworth
The Marshall University School of Architectural Design...focused on environmental architecture which minimizes damage to the earth and environment via energy efficient design and use of recyclable material.  A 'Green Architecture' school. 
I disagree with a law school for MU.  Why compete with WVU?  Instead offer something WVU doesn't.  I don't think anyone in the state offers "Design."  Or Architecture.  This would attract and keep creative people in the state.
Marshall needs a new Major that will have an impact in todays job marker. Either a 4 year engineering shcool or an Architectural school.
Onsite wellness center to attract future students. They need an alternative for fun, other than going out to the bars
Build an arts incubator. Let graduates and students lease studio space and run a shop to sell art.  Have students run a recording studio for music.  Have students learn to submit writing for publication.  Arts lead to economic development.
Our access to internal and local external resources would allow us to offer a master's degree in Autism. One day, we could become the first university in the nation to offer a doctorate in Autism. 
MU should explore the possibilities of developing a Bio-Engineering School which includes Bio-medical maintenance repair, and bio-mechanical development for orthotic and prosthetic advancement.  I would also include a gait lab with the facility.
15 Month educational program certificate program for biology bachelor degree individuals.  This program would eliminate the final semester of our current curriculum.  It would involve another accreditation fee.
Categorical Masters degree program.  (To be offered for Biology bachelor degree graduates.  Students at this level sometimes want a Master’s degree.  Would help with shortage in the field.)
Accounting: Programs of study oriented toward achieving separate AACSB Accounting Accreditation and developing a masters degree in accounting.
Strong support please for the new LCOB Doctor of Management Practice in Nurse Anesthesia degree which is in its final proposal stages.
LCOB, MU is in the process of developing a Doctorate in Management Practice in Nurse Anesthesia.  This program will no doubt provide national prominence to the institution as well as contribute in the community and economic development for WV. 
The Grad. School of Mgmt., LCOB has initiated the process of developing the Doctorate in Management Practice in Nurse Anesthesia. The implementation of this program will give us a niche in a market which is developing and provide MU national prominence.
Establish the management doctorate with the Nurse Anesthetist program at CAMC.  This has been proposed by the LCOB and the CAMC.  It is an outstanding idea and would be the only such program in the nation. If we don't WVU will.
 The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has issued a statement advocating practice doctorate requirements for advanced practice nurses, which includes nurse anesthetists.In West Virginia and the immediate tri-state area, there are very few options for nurses interested in doctoral education.  None of these programs are clinical practice doctorates.  The availability of the DMPNA degree at Marshall would fill this need for a locally based doctoral program and thus enhance the quality of health care in the region.
Now is the time for Marshall to launch the Doctor of Management Practice degree for nurse anesthetists (DMPNA).  Marshall University has strongly established its role as an innovator in our regional health care community through its' association with CAMC School of Nurse Anesthesia.  This one-of-a-kind, entry level nurse anesthesia program offers registered nurses the unique opportunity to develop their capabilities as business leaders along with their transition to advanced practice nursing. Many established nurse anesthetists believe that business acumen is a vital component of aiming toward professional perfection. The DMPNA degree is a natural progression to the next level in this pursuit.
Doctoral education for nurses has been advocated by the Institute of Medicine's Crossing the Quality Chasm as part of a strategy to get the best prepared clinical nursing leadership.  Clinical practice doctorates, such as the DMPNA, are especially suited for this role. 
The DMPNA is a step into the future, providing a needed end degree to enrich WV and the region.  Health Care Professionals will be offered an option never before available.   Management-minded Nurse Anesthetists! The  light at the end of the tunnel.
Sir,  Please favorably consider the proposed new DMPNA program. This doctoral program would place MU not only on the cutting edge of educational innovation but also at the forefront of a needs based educational philosophy coupled with financial success.
The proposed DMPNA is a one of a kind innovative and visionary program that will bring national prominence to Marshall University and ensure safe, competent anesthesia providers to the citizens of WV well into the future.
The establishment of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Marshall University would be very much consistent with the Marshall University's Strategic Vision Process.  It would be directly related to all four pillars of strategic vision process.
Entrepreneurship: Programs of study focused on starting new businesses. Examples:  family business management, marketing research, capital development, business plan writing.
Every year the University of Maryland sponsors a Technology Startup Boot Camp.  Encourage faculty  interested in business to learn about starting companies.  NCIIA will sponsor such programs.
Further engage the university in the development of entrepreneurship programs and support efforts on behalf of the region and state.  
Operate business incubators on university-owned sites adjacent to or very nearby the Huntington and South Charleston campuses.
International Business: Programs of study focused on global markets.   Example:  multinational marketing, international trade and finance, international legal environments.
Business Plan competition for Marshall University and the state.  This leads to WV students actively participating in business development in a variety of fields.  Social Entrepreneurship would also be excellent area to feature.
Professionalism: Programs of study designed to graduate students with oral and written communication, business etiquette, networking, and best practices skills.
Establish a stand alone program in public administration at the master’s level. An MPA program would create another flow of professionals to state agencies. We now have a cooperative program with WVU on the South Charleston Campus.
Public Administration: Programs of study focused on local, state, and federal government management.  Examples:  public finance, program management, economic development.
Sales: Programs of study focused on sales management.   Examples:  service sales, health care sales, business to business.
Marshall needs to climb the ladder in academic classification. We need to become a "Doctoral/ Research University". We need to increase our enrollment (undergraduate) and add graduate/ doctoral programs. This will help academics and athletics.                                                             

 
Complete the Simulated Lab. (We need a general Chemistry Analyzer).  This simulated laboratory could be used to analyze samples for research projects from the Medical School as well as anyone doing animal research on the main campus.  This would bring in funds for the department.  (Administrative staff would also be required for billing purposes.)
Develop a 15 month educational program in clinical lab for individuals with a BS in Biological Sciences.  This would allow the graduate of this certificate program to take the certification examination at the bachelor level.  
Develop a categorical Masters degree program in the Clin Lab Sci dept.  To be offered to Biology graduates.  The graduate would have specialized knowledge of clin lab testing in one area.   Would help alleviate the shortage of personnel in the clin lab. 
It will be important as we focus on increasing the number of transfer students that attention is paid to the articulation of courses and the development of 2 + 2 programs by each academic unit.
Expand 2 + 2 programs with the state Community Colleges to cover a greater variety of disciplines such as Sociology and Psychology.
Heavy minors/conc. in computer science could enhance many programs' graduates' attractiveness to employers and give them an edge in getting jobs. These programs would teach the discipline's computer applications and other specific skills(i.e.scripting)
MU or MCTC should start an academic program/emphasis in construction management.
Marshall has had an M.A. in Counseling for many years. Students have always had to leave the state to gain a PhD degree, as there is no PhD degree in counseling or counselor education in the state. We have the faculty expertise and desire to do this. 
The Criminal Justice Department has put forward a proposal for a Ph.D. program in Criminal Justice.  Given the demand for higher education in the field and the relatively small number of doctoral programs, this would benefit MU and the area.
Becoming competitive in the academic arena, we need to foster and develop high quality doctoral programs. We can not compete with WVU.To do this is to change the organizational culture. Most faculty on campus act like they work for a community college. 
The University should build on the doctoral programs already offered in S.Chas. by adding additional degrees which fill carefully determined needs.  Such might likely be counseling, special education, instructional technology, and assessment/evaluation.
We need to focus on becoming a doctorial institution. Whatever needs to be done to do that is what must happen for us to get to the level of WVU in this state. Also, we need to fight the state for the pop tax that WVU med school has taken for years!!
With the educational outreach being done by Stan Maynard in the Dominican Republic, the COEHS has the perfect platform for starting a Certificate of Advanced Study program in International Education. 
An e-campus PhD program in Industrial Psych. would provide opportunities for the non-traditional student while research in this field would complement WV's indust. economic base. I have an MS from an e-campus WVU program and would jump at a PhD e-program.
I would like to see more online courses available, especially in the arts and education fields.  More and more adults are returning to college at a later age to finish their degrees or Masters/Dr., but still need to work full time to support families. 
MU should offer more degree programs that can be completed entirely online. Leading institutions around the world like UCL, Utrecht & Lund are already doing so. Also, drop the fee that effectively doubles the cost of online classes for full-time students!
19.Energy Efficiency- MU should offer a class on how to become more energy efficient in light of our nation's current energy crisis.
An engineering program oriented towards energy - both coal and alternative energy source - would fit Marshall's needs, greater social good, and attract both private and federal dollars.  We should be looking at wind, water, solar power.
An engineering program oriented towards energy - both coal and alternative energy source - would fit Marshall's needs, greater social good, and attract both private and federal dollars.  We should be looking at wind, water, solar power.
West Virginia has 15% of the nation's energy reserves and should be a national if not a regional center for the industry.    Shouldn't Marshall build a vision for energy related careers to attract companies to re-locate here in the heart of the resource?
I would like to see our environmental science program hire a faculty member who's knowledgeable about renewable energy, and let's start doing some things in that area.
Given the fact that Forensic Science is a booming academic discipline and that MU has one of the few accredited FSC programs in the country, we should investigate the resources needed that would allow us to accelerate to the doctoral level in this field.
Develop a BS degree in nursing for individuals who already have a BS degree in another field: most likely an 18-24 month long program. This will be an economic benefit and strengthen health care by providing additional qualified nurses.
4.First Aid Classes- An 8 week course in basic first aid needs to be offered to ALL MU students, not restricted to only medical students.
Healthcare: Programs of study in health care management, marketing, finance and economics.  Example: hospital administration, ethical issues in health care.
Develop and offer courses in health care informatics.
Develop a program in Histotechnology.  This used to be a hospital based program, but the certifying agency is now requiring at least and Associate Degree.  Currently there are 23 programs in the US.  St. Mary's has offered to help fund this program.
New Program in Histotechnology.  (This used to be a hospital based on-the-job training.)  This could be a post MLT option that would have a multi-skilled laboratory professional.
Collaborative effort of departments & integrative medicine to develop "MU Wholistic Healing Center" which is used by students & community. Dedicated to research and application of natural ways to heal, such as natural foods. Use NIH grants for funding. 
Develop a molecular diagnostics program; excellent chance for the College of Health Professions to collaborate with the community agencies and the med school.
Molecular diagnostics program – Dr. Rushton from the med school has been very strongly pushing this as well as St. Mary’s lab.  Excellent chance to collaborate with the med school.
Certificate Program in Molecular Diagnostics.  Some of the courses to be taught with IST.   (This would be a common curriculum for biotechnology and molecular diagnostics)
For the professional nurses and community-MU needs a nursing doctorate program. This is essential to the continued well being of the program and people in the community; MU nurses have historically made a significant impact on the delivery of health care.
Marshall needs an Occupational Therapy program! So many students in this area, college and high school are interested in the field. The closest schools are WVU and Shawnee State, but many students want to go to school in their hometown! 
Develop optometry/optician program - The nearest is Ohio State.  The projected need by the Bureau of Labor is an 88% growth in WV, 9.0% in OH and 22.7% in KY for optometrists. For opticians the projected growth is 73% in WV, 9.8 in OH, and 14.5 % in Ky
Potential optometry/optician program – The nearest is Ohio State.  The projected need by the Bureau of Labor is an 88% growth in WV, 9.0% in OH and 22.7% in KY for optometrists. For opticians the projected growth is 73% in WV, 9.8 in OH, and 14.5 % in KY.
When I was an undergraduate, everyone was required to take a class called "Personal Health."  I don't think many institutions, including ours, require such a course any more--unfortunately.  This too should be one of our general education outcomes.
As MU President have outlined under the "economic development" section of the strategic vision, fund raising must be a top priority. State support will inevitably continue to decline over the next decade unless there is a miraculous change in our state's economy. The emphasis on private donations should be to build a large endowment where interest can be used to support growth and development. Bricks and mortar are only helpful if there is enough money to sustain the infrastructure and pay faculty a competitive wage. Despite a drop in extramural grants at the federal level, there are still millions available for quality research. In order to be competitive for these grants it is essential to have more terminal degrees at Marshall University in order to have doctoral candidates and post-docs to do research.
We should look at a School of Pharmacy program. This could be coupled into the Medical school, would not take a lot of money to start up, would help us with our doctoral programs, and would help serve the community and the state.
Begin planning a Ph.D. and DNP in nursing
Establish a program in physical therapy, perhaps in the med school. 
MU should develop a physical therapy school.
Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing and high paying medical career fields.  With Marshall's great track record with our med school, I would think a doctorate level PT program at MU would be a great fit.
No place in the state is better suited to develop a physical therapy program than the Kanawha Valley, the population and medical centers of WV.  From S.Chas., a P.T. program would find itself in the midst of countless clinical practice opportunities.
Consider OT/PT programs.- Nearest programs are Ohio State, WVU and UK;  Projected growth through 2012: WV OT 2.78%, PT 2.99%; OH PT 27.9%,, OT 32%; KY PT 50%, OT 18%
Expand health professions programs offered. Evaluate inclusion of physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, molecular diagnostics, optometry, etc. All are growth areas in health care with limited or no local educational programs.
Workshops and Health Fairs using Point-of-Care laboratory instruments for blood tests.  Also provide workshops for healthcare providers on these point-of-care instruments.
There is a high demand for educating health care professionals in West Virginia.  Currently, students who wish to enter the nursing program take Human Anatomy (BSC 227) in the first semester of their freshman year.  This is a difficult course - one that may discourage many students at this point in their academic development.  MU should strongly consider a summer preparatory course where motivated pre-nursing students have a chance to get the skills they will need to succeed.  This could have a significant impact on retention, and it would be very easy to assess the program by determining the number of students who successfully complete BSC 227 with and without the preparatory course.
*College of Veterinary Science *Program for Physicians' Assistant *In-state tuition for larger geographic area *Focus greater efforts on advertising, marketing, recruiting students (espec. at the Graduate College)
We should partner with industry to develop the economic development potential of Home Land Security initiatives. We can help provide educational programs that will produce job opportunities in this burgeoning field. 
Establish an Honors College at Marshall.
Establish an Honors College at Marshall, which includes an Office for Nationally Competitive Awards to assist all qualified Marshall University students in competing for national and international scholarships like the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright Scholarships, etc.
MU establish and administer a Higher Education and Applied Technology Center in Huntington area bringing in courses of study/degree programs from other colleges/universities not available at MU.  Tie to Velocity Center and business technology development
Work with COFA and psychology to explore possibility of Music and Art therapy degrees
Develop a certificate program in Molecular Diagnostics.  This could be a joint program with IST.  (Some common curriculum for both programs with some specialized courses for each.)
Develop an Interdisciplinary Child Diagnostic and Intervention Center. Builds on current pediatric activities and provides a regional center of expertise from multiple Colleges. Research/teaching opportunities. Self-supporting within 3 years or less. 
Develop a Department of Creativity - a cross/inter-disciplinary program that studies  the creative process and its application to meeting challenges in various disciplines. Students/Faculty develop strategies to meet specific challenges collaboratively.
Undergraduate interest in forensic science is strong, and MU forensic science program is a draw.  Forensic science is an excellent interdisciplinary field, and MU should develop a truly interdisciplinary undergraduate forensic science laboratory elective.
Gerontology: Programs of study focused on the aging population.   Examples:  marketing to the elderly, managing an aging workforce, estate planning.
Develop an interdisciplinary certificate program in molecular diagnostics between IST, Clinical Laboratory Sciences and SOM.  Expand connections with Biotechnology MS program at WV State University.  Increase stipends to attract more grad students.
Professional Doctoral Degree in Forensic Science for working forensics scientists. Consideration should be given to a blended distance (-80%) site (-20%) approach that would attract a national and potentially international student population. Using a differential tuition surcharge appropriate for a targeted mid-to-upper career level executive audience, the net income from this program offers the possibility that is could support a resident Ph.D. program in Forensic Science.- Doctor of Physical Therapy – this degree program is rapidly becoming the entry-level for physical therapy practitioners. Addition of this program will enhance the availability of practitioners, while increasing the expertise available for advancing the rehabilitative science platform at Marshall.- Biomedical Informatics and Diagnostics – an interdisciplinary degree program like this one would fit well with the growing emphasis on biotechnology research and development. 
It is my proposal that we begin the process of developing an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental 15 credit hour certification program in School Neuropsychology.  The program would be designed to train School Psychologists to integrate neuropsychological principles into their assessment protocols.  The program would be a combination of didactic experience through the web, and on-site course work.  There would also be supervised clinical experience, using the latest neuropsychological assessment instruments, designed for school-aged children, which is essential for programmatic success.  The courses would be developed and taught between Huntington and South Charleston.  The practicum experience would occur within the Marshall University Community Clinic, and the Summer Program which are presently in place in Dunbar and would provide an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate clinical competence. I believe that a program such as this is consistent with Marshall’s Strategic Plan and will clearly provide a much needed service to our regional service area. 

 
Top-down support and encouragement of timely adoption of academic initiatives to better respond to societal demands: interdisciplinary programs; areas of emphasis for RBA and BAS - a Marshall initiative that was left in the dust by a more aggressive WVU
It was our vision that one of the local universities would provide post-secondary opportunities in this field as well as collaboration with Kanawha County to expand the program to other school systems in the region via distance learning and the internet. An internet search reveals that more and more colleges are offering programs in "International Studies" such as Georgetown University, UNC Greensboro, and So. California Community Colleges to name a few. As a MU graduate, I believe this program may serve to elevate Marshall's business program to a higher status as well as make the Advantage Valley corridor even more attractive to national and international corporations. I believe this idea could be initiated with minimal cost and relatively minor curriculum adjustments to Marshall University.  At the same time it could provide large returns for the institution in terms of regional business, government involvement and grant opportunities.  Marshall University can take the lead in our region for this idea!
Sissonville High presented itself as a good fit for such a venture as it is located near NGK Sparkplugs (Japanese), Toyota, and WV-American Water (German) companies.Sissonville High has already implemented this program of studies as a magnet school with emphasis in the areas of:  Social Studies, Foreign Language, Business, and Technologies.  They also offer other special opportunities in the area.
and WV-American Water (German) companies. Sissonville High has already implemented this program of studies as a magnet school with emphasis in the areas of:  Social Studies, Foreign Language, Business, and Technologies.  They also offer other special opportunities in the area. It was our vision that one of the local universities would provide post-secondary opportunities in this field as well as collaboration with Kanawha County to expand the program to other school systems in the region via distance learning and the internet. An internet search reveals that more and more colleges are offering programs in "International Studies" such as Georgetown University, UNC Greensboro, and So. California Community Colleges to name a few. As a MU graduate, I believe this program may serve to elevate Marshall's business program to a higher status as well as make the Advantage Valley corridor even more attractive to national and international corporations. I believe this idea could be initiated with minimal cost and relatively minor curriculum adjustments to Marshall University.  At the same time it could provide large returns for the institution in terms of regional business, government involvement and grant opportunities.  Marshall University can take the lead in our region for this idea!
Studying abroad fosters critical thinking & prepares students to live/work in a global environment.  Promote retention & build intellectual capital by offering each MU student who maintains a 3.0 during first 60 MU credits a scholarship for study abroad.
Global literacy is today what computer literacy was 20 yrs ago.  MU should establish a School of International Studies that is multi-disciplinary & prepares students for jobs that are critical to our national security and global business competitiveness.
Establish a School of International Studies that requires intensive language preparation and study abroad.  Link this to the College of Business, and you will have graduates that create jobs internationally and bring them back to West Virginia.
In response to your solicitation for community input for the university, I propose the following: The implementation of an "INTERNATIONAL STUDIES" program at Marshall. I have been involved with the construction and development of a new middle school in Sissonville, WV - a suburb north of Charleston. The group I worked with, "Better Schools, Better Communities" suggested that the new Sissonville Middle School (now under construction) and the current Sissonville High School implement a magnet curriculum for international studies. I personally presented this concept to the governor's "West Virginia, Vision Shared" panel in the summer of '04.  They were quite enthusiastic about the opportunities this could create for the region in terms of economic development and the access to a well-educated population, one that could be prepared to reach outside state and national boundaries.  Vision Shared offered its expertise and resources to develop the program as soon as possible. Sissonville High presented itself as a good fit for such a venture as it is located near NGK Sparkplugs (Japanese), Toyota, 
In response to your solicitation for community input for the university, I propose the following: The implementation of an"INTERNATIONAL STUDIES" program at Marshall. I have been involved with the construction and development of a new middle school in Sissonville, WV - a suburb north of Charleston.  The group I worked with, "Better Schools, Better Communities" suggested that the new Sissonville Middle School (now under construction) and the current Sissonville High School implement a magnet curriculum for international studies. I personally presented this concept to the governor's "West Virginia, Vision Shared" panel in the summer of '04.  They were quite enthusiastic about the opportunities this could create for the region in terms of economic development and the access to a well-educated population, one that could be prepared to reach outside state and national boundaries.  Vision Shared offered its expertise and resources to develop the program as soon as possible.
 
MU is by large a regional university, but its graduates almost inevitably find themselves competing in an economy that is globalize.  It is important to create an internationalization program to better prepare its students as future employees.
A focus on global issues needs to be infused across the curriculum.  MU should establish a School of International Studies that is multi-disciplinary & prepares students for jobs that are critical to our national security & global business competitiveness
Encourage faculty to participate in efforts to internationalize the curriculum & promote study abroad & develop an international dimension to their teaching, research & service using financial incentives, promotion/tenure, release time, job descriptions.
There is a lack of courses w/ international focus at the 100/200 leve