Chapter 12: Conclusion


This self-study represents the direct collective effort of over 120 individuals who served on the Strategic Planning and Resource Council or chapter teams, gathering, analyzing, writing, and reviewing information leading to a comprehensive analysis of Millersville University today. In addition to these dedicated individuals, hundreds of students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and others served as resources, providing essential information and perspectives. During the past five years, countless others worked on studies, reviews, surveys, and reports that contributed indispensable data and insights to this self-study. The result of this enormous undertaking is a document that analyzes the current state of Millersville University, identifies specific strengths and areas of concern, and offers recommendations and suggestions for future action.

We find that institutional accreditation activities serve as a foundation upon which to build sound goals and plans. The parallel organization of the University vision and the self-study report reaffirms our understanding of Millersville's status, needs, and directions. It is our intention that this self-study will serve as a working document, not a report to be completed and then forgotten. Already the self-study process has led to tangible changes and improvements. Institutional goals, for example, are now expressed as broad multi-year aims rather than short-term tasks to be accomplished. Furthermore, they are fewer in number, giving us a better sense of where to focus our energies.

Recent Developments

Institutional Indicators of Success
     External Recognition
     Private Support
     Receipt of Prestigious Grants
     A Superior Student Body
     Outstanding Retention and Graduation Rates
     Student Satisfaction
     Alumni Success
     Prudent Management

Institutional Strengths
     Participatory Planning
     Outstanding Academic Programs
     A Superior Faculty
     A Dedication to Serving Students
     Investment in Technology
     A Commitment to Diversity
     Service to the Regional Community
     A Spirit of Collegiality

Recommendations
     Institutional Planning
     Academic Programs
     Faculty
     Student Life Programs
     Support Services for Students
     Information Technology and Library
     Equity, Fairness, and Inclusiveness
     Community Service
     Effective Management
     Resource Development

Summary