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2023-2024 University Mission Statement Revision Process

Miami University's current mission statement was written in 2008. Miami has evolved during the past decade and a half; therefore, it is vital that our mission statement be reviewed and revised to ensure it identifies the nature, scope, and intended constituents of the higher education offerings and services our institution provides. A campus-wide committee led by Amy Aldous Bergerson and Gwen Fears is underway. The committee will solicit input from campus and community stakeholders and will see feedback from the community as they conduct their work on the mission statement.

Timeline and Process

The timeline and process for revising the mission statement:

October 2023

  • Query Miami University stakeholders through surveys and focus groups on what they see as Miami’s “why.” What is our purpose? Whom do we serve? What do we value?
  • Survey Miami University students, staff, and faculty.
    • Over 900 University stakeholders completed the survey.
  • Establish focus groups for parents/families, alumni, and community stakeholders.
    • Over 100 participants in focus groups also responded to the survey questions.
  • Establish a committee.
    • The full committee is comprised of the following University community members:
      • Gwen Fears (Co-Chair): Division of Student Life
      • Amy Bergerson (Co-Chair): Provost’s Office
      • Anna Abey: Oxford Graduate Student
      • Cristina Alcalde: Office of Transformative and Inclusive Excellence
      • Michael Bailey-Van Kuren: College of Creative Arts
      • Adam Beissel: University Senate
      • Kasie Bowman: Regionals Undergraduate Student
      • Edgar Caraballo: College of Engineering and Computing
      • Amy Cooper: Office of Research and Innovation
      • Jason Ezell: University Libraries
      • Cathy Heinz: University Communications and Marketing
      • Nicole Hoyer: ASPIRE
      • Jack Isphording: Oxford Undergraduate Student and Associated Student Government
      • Jeff Kuznekoff: Regionals Department of Interdisciplinary and Communication Studies
      • Emily Legg: College of Arts and Science
      • Kevin Marks: University Advancement
      • Lindsay Marnell: Enrollment Management and Student Success
      • Marina Mendes: Regionals Graduate Student
      • Alicia Miller: Classified Staff and CPAC
      • Amity Noltemeyer: Graduate School
      • Sofia Olaya: University IT Services
      • Kirsten Osteboe: Oxford Undergraduate Student and Associated Student Government
      • Carrie Powell: University Advancement
      • Darryl Rice: Farmer School of Business
      • Cassandra Scott: Regional Deans Office
      • Dawn Tsirelis: Office of the President
      • Robin Vealey: Division of Education, Health, and Society
      • Katie Wilson: Division of Student Life
      • Chauncey Winbush: Intercollegiate Athletics
      • Brian Woodruff: Finance and Business Services

October-December 2023

A sub-committee reviewed the survey and focus group data and produced a content analysis of key concepts.

January 2024

Key concepts were vetted and refined by the entire committee.

February-March 2024 

The committee is hosting town halls with faculty, staff, and students to present and refine key concepts with the following schedule:

Oxford Campus:

Admission Visit Center Auditorium, Shriver Center

  • Students (Undergrad and Grad) – Tuesday, Feb. 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
  • Staff – Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
  • Faculty – Thursday, Feb. 29, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
  • Open to All – Monday, Mar. 11, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Virtual:

Regionals Hamilton Campus:

Wilks Conference Center 202

  • Staff – Tuesday, Mar. 12, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
  • Faculty – Tuesday, Mar. 12, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Students (Undergrad and Grad) – Tuesday, Mar. 12, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Regionals Middletown Campus:

Johnston Hall 136/137

  • Open to All – Wednesday, Mar. 13, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

March-April 2024 

The committee will develop the final mission statement from refined key concepts.

September 2024

  • Present the new mission statement for University Senate approval.
  • Present the new mission statement for Board of Trustees approval.