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Summary Introduction Development of the Current Statement of Institutional Purpose Statement of Institutional Purpose Analysis Recommendations and Suggestions Timetable for the Review and Revision of the Statement of Institutional Purpose Surveys to Develop Mission Statement

UNCW Institutional Mission Statement ("Vision Statement") Part I - Institutional Mission (1991-2000) Part II - Basis for Mission Statement and Proposed Changes Enrollment Projections (1991-2001) Part III - Support Systems

The Statement of Institutional Purpose, printed on pages 100-102, reflects the unique and multidimensional role of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in serving its various constituencies. The Statement also indicates the University's intent to strengthen and expand its present programs rather than to embark into many new areas, to grow into a large-scale institution, or to place more emphasis on research than on teaching and service. The current Statement effectively captures the basic values that serve as the foundation for the University's future direction, yet it also identifies nine specific priorities for the years ahead.

The Statement of Institutional Purpose is central to the University's planning processes. While sufficient administrative support, faculty and staff, financial support, and facilities exist to enable the University to fulfill its purpose, additional effort needs to be directed to achieving the goals of the Statement in terms of programming, budgeting, and evaluation. The University also needs to review more frequently the continued appropriateness of the Statement and to modify it as changing conditions warrant.

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UNCW recognizes the essential role the Statement of Institutional Purpose plays in the conduct of University affairs. This Statement not only provides a unified sense of direction for decision-making at all levels, but it also serves as the basis for evaluating its effectiveness as an institution of higher learning.

The Institutional Purpose Committee comprised a cross-section of the faculty, staff, and administration. The formation of this committee represented the first major action of the Self-Study Steering Committee in the University's reaffirmation process. The Institutional Purpose Committee began its work by reviewing the University's existing (1981) Purpose Statement:

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a community of scholars dedicated to teaching, learning, creating, and extending knowledge through research. Its objectives are to stimulate curiosity, imagination, and creativity; to communicate both general knowledge and the facts and concepts of various disciplines and professional programs, to foster clear thinking, rational decision-making and fluent, accurate communication; and to develop skills appropriate to the various disciplines and professional programs.

The committee also reviewed: (1) changes that had occurred throughout the service region, (2) the evolution of the University during the past decade, (3) population and demographic projections, (4) proposed changes in secondary education, (5) the role of community colleges, (6) expected economic conditions, and (7) the roles of other colleges and universities within and outside the state. Attention was also directed to identifying emerging opportunities that could benefit or otherwise affect the role the University should play in the years ahead.

The existing Purpose Statement was adopted in 1981. Since that time, the University has experienced major changes in almost every dimension of its operations. In 1981, the University offered the associate degree in nursing, bachelor's degrees in 31 areas, and master's degrees in five areas. Approximately 5000 students were enrolled, with 288 faculty and 307 staff. The campus comprised 39 buildings, and the overall budget was $13,938,366.

The University now offers bachelor's degrees in 35 areas and master's degrees in 15 areas, and it participates in a cooperative program leading to a PhD in Marine Science from North Carolina State University. Approximately 8000 students are now enrolled, with 412 faculty and 538 staff. The campus comprises 62 buildings with an overall budget of $63,643,258.

The increased emphasis and availability of graduate study was acknowledged by the University of North Carolina system's Board of Governors in 1985 when UNCW was elevated to "Comprehensive University I" status. This designation (according to the Carnegie Council's classification system adopted by the UNC system) is given to universities that offer a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs. There is only one higher level of designation in the UNC system: universities with a number of doctoral programs are classified as "Research" institutions.

The student body has also changed over the years. Enrollment demographics indicate that the University continues its evolution from what was Wilmington College - a two-year community college for New Hanover County residents in 1947 - to a broadbased University serving diverse groups of students from inside and outside the state of North Carolina. The changes in the student body are particularly evident in the geographic distribution of students, the number of students enrolled in graduate instruction, and the number of degrees being conferred.

In 1980, 49% of the undergraduate students came from the five counties in the University's geographic region. Only six percent of the students were residents of other states. By 1990, 37% of the undergraduates were from the five surrounding counties. Eleven percent of the students were residents of other states and countries. In the 1980-81 academic year, 122 students were enrolled in graduate programs; in the 1990-91 academic year, 336 students were enrolled in graduate programs. In the 1980-81 academic year, 22 associate degrees, 493 bachelor's degrees, and 24 master's degrees were awarded; in the 1990-91 academic year, the University awarded 1099 bachelor's and 74 master's degrees.

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The Institutional Purpose Committee concluded that the existing Statement of Institutional Purpose needed to be updated to reflect changes that had occurred within the University as well as the challenges it will encounter in the future. The committee surveyed the faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, trustees, and community at large to ascertain how the various constituencies viewed the mission and role to be played by the University in the years ahead. The chairman of the committee also addressed the Faculty Senate to solicit its ideas for revising the Statement.

The committee reviewed the surveys and developed a preliminary version of the Statement. The committee then met frequently over a two-month period to refine it. The revised Statement was then sent to the faculty, staff, and administrators for review. An open meeting was conducted by the committee at which these groups were invited to share their thoughts on the revised Statement.

The committee incorporated the suggestions into a final draft that was approved by the committee and the Self-Study Steering Committee. The following Statement of Institutional Purpose was approved by UNCW's Board of Trustees in July 1990:

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a community of scholars dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, artistic achievement, and service to local and global communities. It is an evolving comprehensive university of moderate size that values close relationships among students, faculty, and staff in a diverse, supportive, and challenging intellectual environment.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, founded as Wilmington College in 1947, owes much of its development and dynamic character to its heritage and location. The student-centered philosophy of the University comes in part from its origin as a community college with small classes and extensive interaction between students and faculty. With growth, the focus has expanded to include graduate students, bringing increased opportunities for scholarly activities.

As the only public university in southeastern North Carolina, this institution bears a special responsibility for education and service. The University is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities, assisting with the improvement of public school education, and enhancing the personal, cultural, and economic health of the region. Located in an historic port city, the University provides related experiences in cultural, commercial, and archeological studies. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean enables the University to be a leader in marine studies and provides an exceptional opportunity to teach and practice environmental awareness and responsibility. The University is dedicated to the preservation of conservation areas on campus that are representative of ecosystems in the region.

The University seeks to stimulate in its students intellectual curiosity, imagination, rational thinking, thoughtful expression, and a love of learning. Knowledge of the humanities, social and natural sciences, and fine arts, along with effective communication and decision-making skills, are central to the curriculum. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of their own and other cultures in order to appreciate the rich variety of thought and lifestyles that form the world in which they live. The University offers programs to help students clarify values, develop physical well-being, work independently and interdependently, and participate in university governance. The University is committed to providing each student with opportunities, resources, and guidance to achieve personal, academic, and career goals.

Excellence in teaching and creative scholarly activity are fundamental for any university. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding complements effective teaching, sustains intellectual vitality, and makes an important contribution to the larger community. Research and artistic endeavors are essential for faculty and students. The University encourages and supports scholarly work and seeks to attract-energetic faculty with diverse interests and expertise.

The University provides a secure intellectual, social, and physical environment conducive to achieving its mission. Freedom of thought, expression, and association are fostered and protected. The continuing development of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the maintenance and development of academic and social programs of excellence, are ensured with funds from both public and private sources. Ongoing planning and assessment of services, programs, research, and instruction assure the productive use of resources and assets.

The University remains committed to planned growth, quality programs, and a strong sense of community. The evolution of the University will involve strengthening and expanding:

• undergraduate education,
• marine science and marine-related activities,
• research, graduate, and professional programs,
• interdisciplinary programs,
• public service,
• international exchange programs for students and faculty,
• involvement in multi-cultural, social, environmental, and global issues of current and emerging importance,
• instructional and research resources, and
• campus facilities to meet educational, social, and recreational needs.

Through the activities of its students, faculty, and staff, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington seeks to educate and interact with the diverse community it reflects and serves. Fulfilling its mission strengthens the position of the University within the world academic community.

Through the activities of its students, faculty, and staff, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington seeks to educate and interact with the diverse community it reflects and serves. Fulfilling its mission strengthens the position of the University within the world academic community.

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The revised Statement of Institutional Purpose reflects the multi-dimensional nature of the University as a comprehensive institution of higher learning. The previous Purpose Statement was oriented primarily to learning outcomes. The revised Statement: (1) incorporates the role the University is expected to play in enhancing the quality of life in its immediate service region, (2) highlights the University's commitment to strengthening and expanding its efforts in nine specific areas, and (3) emphasizes that, while the University is broadening its horizons, it will continue to place a premium on the student-centered philosophy that has been an integral part of its heritage and success.

The of Institutional Purpose Statement is published in principal documents of the University including the Faculty Handbook, the Undergraduate Catalogue, and the Graduate Catalogue. Chapter 3 indicates that 94% of the faculty who responded to the Self-Study Survey of Faculty indicated they were aware of the goals as stated in the University's Purpose Statement. Moreover, there is considerable evidence that the Statement has provided direction in University planning and decision making. Chapter 3 of this report indicates that the Statement served as the foundation for the document known as the University's "Vision Statement." In February 1990, University of North Carolina system President C. D. Spangler asked each UNC campus to prepare new "institutional mission statements." In January 1991, the "UNCW Institutional Mission Statement" (printed as Appendix 2-C on page 110) was completed. It is known on campus as the "Vision Statement" so as not to confuse it with UNCW's official Statement of Institutional Purpose. The "Vision Statement" identifies specific objectives and priorities for the University for the years 1991-2000. Chapter 3 also documents instances where the Statement of Institutional Purpose has served as the foundation for the mission statements of various academic departments as well as. the processes of the University Planning Committee.

The University's evolution to a multidimensional, comprehensive institution is evident in numerous administrative changes that have taken place in the years preceding and following the revision in the Statement of Purpose. These changes include: (1) creation of the Office of International Programs, (2) establishment of the Graduate School, (3) creation of the General College, (4) elevation of the Department of Nursing to the School of Nursing, (5) transformation of the Office of Special Programs to the Division for Public Service, (6) establishment of the Office of Research Administration, and (7) formation of the Leadership Center within the Division of Student Affairs. The University's increased involvement in the Consortium for the Advancement of Public Education (CAPE) and recent efforts to link various regional educational institutions through fiber-optics are other examples of efforts to fulfill goals in the Statement of Institutional Purpose.

The University's educational programs address the learning objectives in the Statement. Particular emphasis is placed on the courses that satisfy the Basic Studies requirements for all undergraduate students. Chapter 3 provides an analysis in depth of the extent to which individual departments, the overall curriculum, and instructional approaches fulfill the learning objectives highlighted in the Statement. The growth of the University's professional schools and programs as well as of the Office of Career Planning and Placement reflect the commitment to provide career preparation opportunities.

The University also provides sufficient resources, support services, facilities, and administrative processes to achieve its institutional purpose. At least one administrative unit or committee is responsible for addressing each area identified in the Statement. The Curriculum Committee oversees the Basic Studies requirements at the undergraduate level. The Graduate Council reviews all course work in the graduate programs.

The Division for Public Service coordinates various outreach programs and promotes lifelong learning opportunities. The Department of Fine Arts coordinates cultural events. The Cameron School of Business Administration, with its Center for Business and Economics Services, Small Business Institute, and Small Business Technology and Development Center, assists economic development in the region. The Center for Marine Science Research has recently redefined its mission to broaden its scope. The School of Education, through the Consortium for the Advancement of Public Education has strong professional ties with all the school agencies in the southeastern region of the state. The Science and Mathematics Education Center has recently received national recognition through a major grant to redesign science education in grades 6-8.

Faculty research and scholarly productivity have also been improved by grants from the University's Faculty Research and Development Fund coordinated by the Office of Research Administration. The increase in graduate assistantships and the reduction in the teaching loads for some faculty have also contributed to scholarly achievements. Library resources and computer support have also been increased in recent years.

The Division of Student Affairs continues to provide student-support services through additional facilities, staff, and programs that foster student interaction and development on and off campus. The Office of International Programs also strengthens the University's ability to attract foreign students as well as foster student and faculty exchange programs.

Sufficient funds are available for the maintenance of existing buildings and grounds. The Division of Business Affairs also monitors the need for additional academic and support space. The Division of University Advancement is involved in attracting additional funding and other means of support for the University's programs.

The University uses several different methods to review the appropriateness of its Statement of Institutional Purpose as well as its plans for educational programs, service endeavors, and campus facilities. First, the Statement and any major change in its operations or activities must be approved by the University of North Carolina system's Board of Governors. UNCW must submit a five-year plan for review and approval to the Board of Governors. Second, UNCW's s Board of Trustees must approve the Statement of Institutional Purpose as well as any major changes in the University's operations. Third, UNCW's Planning Committee closely monitors changes taking place inside and outside the University. The University Planning Committee meets regularly to identify areas of opportunity, to anticipate potential problems, and to review proposals for change in campus programs and activities submitted by academic and administrative units. Chapter 3 provides additional information on the planning processes and the approaches used to evaluate institutional effectiveness.

The major strength of the Statement of Institutional Purpose is that it reflects the intent by UNCW to be a multidimensional institution. The Statement highlights the basic values that serve as the core of the institution. It also identifies nine priorities that will receive additional attention in the years ahead. The Statement is broad enough to provide direction yet specific enough to keep the University from overextending its resources.

The Statement of Institutional Purpose fosters institutional planning, budgeting, and evaluation. The Statement has played a central role in developing the University's "Vision Statement." An analysis of the University's operations indicates that the Statement of Institutional Purpose is known by the faculty and that it is serving as a guide in decision-making at all levels. The University's basic organizational structure also reflects the areas emphasized in the Statement.

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1. Additional effort should be taken to achieve the goals of the Statement of Institutional Purpose through the newly adopted University-wide planning process. Every decision that affects planning, funding, programming, and evaluation should begin with an analysis of how it will contribute to the fulfillment of the Statement of Institutional Purpose.

2. The Statement of Institutional Purpose should be formally reviewed at least every five years to ensure that it reflects the basic values of the University as well as the changes taking place in its environment. The review and revision process should be initiated by UNCW's Board of Trustees and implemented by the University Planning Committee.

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Instructions: You are invited to share your thoughts about the future of our university. Your comments will be considered as the university's mission statement is revised to reflect what we value and what UNCW should become in the years ahead.

TEACHING: (Including the role of advising, curriculum development, instructional matters as well as the future direction of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.)

RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP, AND ARTISTIC PTT: (In relation to the expanding role of faculty development; intellectual climate, regional and national visibility, etc.)

SERVICE: (To the academic community and the community at large.)

STUDENT-RELATED MATTERS: (Size of UNCW, type of students to attract, qualities and skills to be developed, related support services, etc.)

DISTINCT ATTRIBUTES: (When you think of UNCW, what are the attributes that make it different from other colleges and universities?)

OTHER UNIVERSITY-RELATED MATTERS: (Please feel free to use the back side of this sheet to provide additional ideas about the mission and future direction of UNCW.)

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(Concise Statement)

PART I

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, artistic achievement and service to local and global communities. It is committed to providing each student with opportunities, resources, and guidance to achieve personal, academic, and career goals. UNCW offers a wide range of undergraduate and master's degree programs, as well as a cooperative doctoral program in marine science. During the next decade (1991-2000), the institution will continue its focus on teaching, continued expansion of basic and applied research activities, and meeting the public service needs of southeastern North Carolina.

Quality undergraduate education will remain the cornerstone of the university's instructional activities. The university will continue to expand its efforts to enroll, retain and graduate students from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic backgrounds. To meet the challenges that diversity brings, faculty will be given increasing opportunities and resources to enhance instructional skills. Superior teachers will be recognized for their efforts and will serve as role models for others in the profession.

The pursuit of knowledge and understanding complements effective teaching. Research is essential for both faculty and students and will be encouraged and supported in all disciplines. Selected doctoral level programs will be offered to meet evolving national and international challenges. The university's commitment to expand marine studies is based on a strong instructional and research foundation, as well as on the institution's geographic location.

In its public service role, the university will be a leader in initiating and coordinating programs that address the special needs of its service region. The university will strengthen relationships with the educational, governmental, cultural, and business communities and serve as a resource and catalyst for regional planning activities within and among these groups. Selected new undergraduate and master's level programs will be planned to meet the changing needs of the institution's service region.

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1. BASIS

Two factors support the university's optimism as it plans for the next ten years. The first is the institution's dynamic pattern of growth over the past two decades. Excellent academic programs at both the baccalaureate and master's levels, as well as a highly qualified faculty, indicate that the institution's planning is positive and realistic. The second factor is the development of southeastern North Carolina, which is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the southern United States. The futures of the region and the institution necessarily intertwine. The university's planning process addresses the areas of teaching, research and service.

In recent years, national attention has turned more and more toward the state of teaching in the classrooms of America's universities. It is generally admitted that the quality of university level education must be improved. UNCW prides itself on its commitment to teaching. A survey of the faculty taken in the spring of 1990 reveals (1) a strong commitment on the part of the faculty to the institution's teaching mission and (2) a desire for opportunities to improve and perfect teaching skills. Excellence in teaching, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, will continue to be a primary goal of the university.

The institution has attracted to its faculty men and women who are qualified to carry out serious research in their respective fields. In many disciplines the establishment of master's degree level programs has facilitated their work. While supporting the commitment to research in all areas, the institution is aware of its responsibility to develop an outstanding research program in marine related studies. At both the international and the national levels environmental issues have highlighted the importance and urgency of marine science research. UNCW, because of its location, its existing marine science programs and its faculty expertise, is ideally suited to lead the state's marine research programs.

The expanding and changing population of southeastern North Carolina, coupled with its accelerated economic growth, places new and increased demands on the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Among the many issues facing the region are: transition to greater urbanization; increase of retired and elderly population; need for reform of public elementary and secondary education. The university strives, through regular communication with regional agencies (governmental, educational, medical, business) and through a continual assessment of its programs, to meet the academic service needs of southeastern North Carolina. All of the programs proposed in this mission statement are based on expressed or projected needs of regional agencies.

2. PROGRAM CHANGES

The university has identified specific programs which it will implement in order to accomplish its stated mission.

1. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington confirms and will extend its tradition of teaching excellence.
1. The university proposes to establish a center for teaching excellence which will provide programs, services and technical support designed to assist all faculty and graduate teaching assistants in achieving and maintaining excellence in their teaching.
2. The university proposes to establish endowed teaching chairs throughout the academic programs, which will be occupied by professors recognized for their commitment to excellent teaching.
2. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington confirms and will strengthen its commitment to research.
1. The university proposes to expand its faculty/student research fund in order to assist professors and students in their research activities.
2. The university proposes to establish a research endowment which will provide start-up funds for new faculty, senior faculty research funds, a research support facility and endowed research chairs.
3. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington intends to build a leading international marine studies program.
1. The university proposes to establish an independent doctoral program in marine science. This will be developed as the major academic aspect of the marine research program. The university already has the faculty expertise to initiate the program.
2. The university proposes to establish additional baccalaureate and master's degree level programs in marine related fields as needed.
3. The university proposes to construct a Marine Science Research and Education Facility on 50 acres of waterfront property owned by UNCW. The facility will provide laboratory space and a conference center for state, national and international researchers.
4. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will extend its existing regional services.
1. The university proposes to establish a doctoral program in educational leadership which will provide access to programs of advanced study to the region's public education administrators.
2. The university proposes to establish master's degree level and baccalaureate level D programs in selected academic and professional areas. These will be identified within the context of regional needs. Consideration for master's programs will be given, for example, to health care, business (accountancy, economics), education (school psychology, counselor education) and liberal arts (computer sciences, sociology, parks and recreation). Baccalaureate degree programs will be planned in physical education, pre-school education, severely and profoundly handicapped, and gifted education.
3. The university proposes to establish a Center for Regional Development which could gather and disseminate information for the benefit of southeastern North Carolina. The Center would enable the university to participate actively in the coordination of regional planning and development efforts.
3. FACULTY AND STAFFING PLANS

The institution currently has faculty with the expertise to undertake many of the proposed programs at the doctoral and master's degree levels. However, each new program will require additional faculty positions and support staff. It is anticipated that some of the additional faculty and staff needs can be met through enrollment related increases.

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

Qualitative and quantitative expansion are not inexpensive. Though portions of the institution's growth in programs may be met through enrollment related funds, it is not realistic to assume that the normal budget can absorb all of the new programs. Advanced degree programs will require sophisticated equipment. Additional classroom, laboratory and office space will be essential. The university plans to undertake a major fund raising campaign which will help support some of the program changes.

5. MAJOR ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES

The university does not foresee that there will be any major organizational changes during this planning period. Minor changes (e.g., establishment/division of an academic department, establishment of a specialized office) will take place at the appropriate time.

6. ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS

The following assumptions were made in the development of UNCW's 1991-2000 enrollment projections:

1. New recruitment efforts will increase the numbers of traditional and non-traditional applicants.
2. Additional non-traditional students will enroll as a result of the university's efforts to expand its evening schedule and to offer degree programs during this time period.
3. The university's efforts to increase the quality of entering students will result in improved student retention.
4. Increased efforts to attract students from community colleges will result in larger numbers of transfers throughout the decade.
5. Continuing development of existing graduate level programs and the introduction of new masters and doctoral level programs will result in a larger number of graduate students enrolled at the university.
6. Continuing development of marine science programs will attract additional undergraduate and graduate students.
7. The addition of new classroom, laboratory, research, and library facilities will reduce campus space constraints that currently limit course offerings and enrollment growth.

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PART III

Pursuing the institution's mission through the program changes described in part II. B. will require changes in the university's support systems as well.

1. Academic Affairs

The William Madison Randall Library will require expanded informational resources to support additional graduate programs and faculty research projects. New space planning will begin as early as 1992.

Agencies such as the Admission Office, the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Computing and Information Systems will be required to redesign and expand many of their services.

The office of Special Programs foresees a significant expansion of its services to meet the needs of the region's rapidly increasing population.

2. STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Division of Student Affairs will expand the size and scope of its resources to meet the needs of the student population which will include greater numbers of international and non-traditional students.

3. BUSINESS AFFAIRS

The Division of Business Affairs will seek to supply the financial and auxiliary services and the facilities that are needed to support the institution's academic programs.

4. UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

The Division of University Advancement will seek to support the university's mission through appropriate fund raising activities.

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Last Updated: February 1, 2000