3.24 College or University Type, Mission, and Strategic Plan, and Minnesota State Mission and Vision
Board Policies
Chapter 3 - Educational Policies
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Part 1. Purpose
To establish conditions and processes for the review of college and university type and mission, and strategic plans, and Minnesota State mission.
Part 2. Authority
Minn. Stat. § 136F.05 Missions requires the colleges and universities of Minnesota State to establish their own distinct missions within certain parameters and with the approval of the Board of Trustees. Minn. Stat. § 135A.052 Postsecondary Missions recognizes each type of postsecondary institution in the state and their distinct missions.
Part 3. Definitions
The following definitions apply to this policy and related procedure.
College or university
Technical colleges, community colleges, consolidated community and technical colleges, and state universities.Mission
The distinct purpose of the college, university, or Minnesota State.Vision
The aspirations of the college, university, or Minnesota State.
Part 4. Change in College or University Type
A request for a change in college or university type is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, following a first and second reading in accordance with Board Policy 1A.1 Part 6, Subpart A. The chancellor shall promulgate procedures to guide the board’s review of a change in college or university type.
Part 5. Approval of College or University Mission Statement
A college or university mission statement requires board approval. The chancellor has authority to approve minor revisions to an approved mission statement. The mission of a college or university must support achievement of the Minnesota State mission and provide a foundation for evaluation, accountability, and regional accreditation. Each college or university, with consultation from students, faculty, staff, and members of the local civic, nonprofit, and business communities, must be given considerable latitude to express its mission.
Part 6. Review and Approval of the Minnesota State Mission and Vision
The board shall periodically review, revise as appropriate, and approve the Minnesota State mission and vision. The mission and vision must advance the higher education needs of the state. The board shall assure there is consultation with students, faculty, staff, and essential members of the state.
Part 7. Review of Strategic Plans
Upon request, colleges and universities shall submit their institutional strategic plans to the chancellor.
Related Documents:
- Board Policy 1A.1 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Organization and Administration
- System Procedure 3.24.1 Chancellor's Procedures and Guidelines for System and Institutional Missions
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Policy on Criteria for Accreditation, Criterion 1. Mission
To view any of the following related statutes, go to the Revisor's Office website. You can conduct a search from this site by typing in the statute number.
- Minn. Stat. § 136F.05 Mission
- Minn. Stat. § 135A.052 postsecondary Missions
Policy History:
Date of Adoption: 6/16/99
Date of Implementation: 7/01/99
Date of Last Review: 5/17/23
Date & Subject of Amendments:
05/17/23 – Full review. Changed title from “College or University Type and Mission” to “College and University Type, Mission, and Strategic Plans, and Minnesota State Mission and Vision”. Relocated 136F.05 statutory reference from Part 1 to New Part 2. Authority. Replaced “system” with “Minnesota State” throughout the procedure. Added new Part 7. Review of Strategic Plans.
05/16/18 - Policy was reviewed and amended throughout to provide more concise language. Applied the new formatting and writing styles which resulted in multiple technical edits.
Additional HISTORY.