The Leaders Role in Accountability

The Leaders Role in AccountabilityRefocus Using Mission ReviewRefocus Using Strategic PlanningDealing with Conflicts of Interest

Presented by: Ruth A. SmithThe Leaders Role in Accountability

Using Aspects of Mission Review to Refocus the Institution on the Needs of Students2The Leaders Role in Accountability

Using Aspects of Mission Review to Refocus the Institution on the Needs of StudentsA mission review is essential for the success of higher education institutions as it determines if an institutions mission permeates the institutions programs, curriculum, support services, community activities, and operations; and identifies relevant gaps and the need for mission adjustments.

Unless the findings of the mission review synchronize with the institutions strategic plan, its effectiveness in refocusing the institution on the needs of students, is unachievable. Therefore, strategic planning inevitably links to the mission review (See figure 1). 3The Leaders Role in Accountability

Using Aspects of Mission Review to Refocus the Institution on the Needs of Students4The Leaders Role in Accountability

Using Aspects of Strategic Planning to Refocus the Institution on the Needs of Students5The Leaders Role in Accountability

Using Aspects of Strategic Planning to Refocus the Institution on the Needs of StudentsThe institutions Office of Institutional Research, Planning & Accreditation engages in a detailed data collection, analysis, and evaluation process for determining the improvement of both academic programs and support activities. The data provides an understanding of the academic, personal, and professional development needs of students and other stakeholders; and indicates if the institution meets the stakeholders expectations. The result of the research along with the reviewed mission statement forms the foundation for effective strategic planning that will enable the institution to refocus on fulfilling the needs of students.

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Refocus the Institution on the Needs of Students7The Leaders Role in Accountability

Refocus the Institution on the Needs of StudentsUpon completion of the mission review and institutional research and analysis, effective strategic planning must take place (See figure 1). This process must focus on all the changes necessary (as identified in the review and analysis) to reflect the needs of the students. The change process will require leaders to: Develop a culture of collaborationMake recommendations for development of both academic programs and support activitiesWrite a revised mission statement 8The Leaders Role in Accountability

Refocus the Institution on the Needs of StudentsReview the past strategic planReview the past outcomes of the strategic goalsWrite a 5-year strategic plan that aligns with the new mission statement Compose a list of strategic goals and their measurable objectives that support accomplishment of the strategic planDetermine the priority goalsEmploy a change modelInitiate, mandate, and facilitate Stay true to the missionMeet the students need by sustaining improvement through communicating, maintaining, evaluating, and adapting.

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Refocus the Institution on the Needs of StudentsThe revised mission and strategic planning refocus the institution on the needs of students by transforming data into decisions and executing the decisions through long term and short-term goal setting and evaluation, in full alignment with the mission. As such, the evidence of commitment to the mission and effective strategic planning permeates the strategic goals, academic programs, evaluation practices, non- academic programs, student organizations, and activities within the institution.

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Aspects of the Current Landscape that Create Conflicts11The Leaders Role in Accountability

Aspects of the Current Landscape that Create Conflicts

A complex range of factors including limited funding, increased online learning, shifting demographics, increasing number of corporate universities, and global integration, contributes to the competitive current landscape, resulting in institutions modification of their educational products and services in order to remain competitive and improve share in the diverse market (Newman, Couturier, and Scurry, 2004; Murray 2009). The new competitive landscape forces some institutions to not only increase tuition fees, but also obtain funding from nontraditional sources, resulting in a significant disharmony with the institutions competitive strategies, strategic plan, and mission.12The Leaders Role in Accountability

Aspects of the Current Landscape that Create Conflicts

As such, leaders face the challenge of striking a balance between mission and finance. Weisbrod, Ballou, and Asch (2008) found the "pursuit of revenue [to be] a double-edged sword-indispensable for financing the social mission but a danger to the mission at the same time (p.8). Nevertheless, higher education leaders should collaborate constantly with shareholders in determining the institutions priority goals.13The Leaders Role in Accountability

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Initiate New FocusMandate New FocusFacilitate New FocusSustain New FocusMission Accomplished!The Leaders Role in AccountabilityTherefore, leaders should.

ReferencesBethune-Cookman University. (n.d.). Transforming Data into Decisions. Retrieved from Bethune-Cookman University: http://www.cookman.edu/academics/oirpa/transformData.htmlNewman, F., Couturier, L., & Scurry, J. (2004). The future of higher education: Rhetoric, reality, and the risks of the market. San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass.: Jossey-Bass.Weisbrod, B. A., Ballou, J. P., & Asch, E. D. (2008). Mission and money: Understanding the university. In Chapter 2: "The Higher Education Business and the Business of Higher EducationNow and Then". New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

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