2 Introduction The College of Arts and Sciences (College) is the largest academic unit at Northern State University, accounting for nearly one-third of all faculty and students. The College is composed of three Departments housing some of the largest and fastest growing programs on campus spanning the Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, and Social Sciences, as well as providing the bulk of general education, freshmen seminar, and high school dual credit offerings. The College also houses the NACEP accredited Rising Scholars concurrent enrollment program, and makes major contributions in research, external grants, outreach, and community engagement. In 2018, the College shifted toward a more deliberative and formal process for long-term planning and implementation based on the model of “Strategic Doing,” which is better suited to meet the opportunities and challenges over the coming decade marked by significant demographic change, shifting demands in the workforce, and an evolving financial model for higher education. After soliciting feedback from multiple stakeholders during spring 2019, the College adopted a new mission, vision, and values statement and structure for strategic planning and implementation from September 2019 to September 2021, a process the college has adopted to date. The College’s blueprint for this action plan spans and unites four Pillars of Distinction – Teaching, Research and Scholarship, Engagement, and Administration and Assessment – supported by specific pedagogical, curricular, staffing, professional development, and administrative initiatives. This document outlines that blueprint; including Mission, Vision, and Values; Structure; and Pillars and Initiatives with students as the focus. This document provides a general blueprint that will be assessed on a regular basis to reflect changing opportunities and circumstances. As a College, we reconvened to discuss and adapt the current action items, creating a new list of action items to implement during September 2023 to September 2025 and continue to move the College strategically forward into the future. Mission To provide students with challenging educational experiences grounded in the liberal arts and natural sciences that develop the capacity to make an impact as critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, and creators. Vision To become a community of teacher-scholars dedicated to quality student-centered education, scholarship, and service that fosters professional, personal, and civic success. Values Integrity, Excellence, Community, Leadership
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