Hundreds of members of the RU community participated in a 12-month planning process to envision our university’s future. Together, we now pursue a greater destiny that is RU30 – embracing our university’s unique history and potential.
RU30 is a new, bold strategic plan for ²Ø¾«¸ó, aiming to solidify our position as a leading educational institution by prioritizing student success and academic discovery, fostering a vibrant community of learners, and serving as a leader in building a diverse workforce locally and nationally, all while embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of the 21st century student.
We are honored to pursue ²Ø¾«¸ó’s mission, and welcome others to join us as we strive to reaffirm and expand our historic mission of access and excellence, so all students, regardless of background, feel welcomed and empowered to reach their full potential.
- Ali Malekzadeh, President, ²Ø¾«¸ó
At ²Ø¾«¸ó, we are dedicated to helping students succeed in a global world. We believe that every student’s background – whether it is language, culture, life experience, disability, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexuality, or more – adds a unique value to our community. Instead of seeing differences as barriers, we embrace them as strengths. We are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. By using proven, high-impact practices, we provide students with the tools, experiences, and resources they need to thrive academically, professionally and personally. From hands-on learning opportunities to holistic student support, we are here to help every student reach their full potential.
Goal: Cultivate an engaged learning environment that prioritizes access and student success
Objectives:
1.1 Build an asset-based culture that moves students forward through best practices
1.2 Cultivate an environment that promotes holistic student wellbeing
1.3 Offer dynamic curricula and teaching methods that equip students with the competencies for relevant careers and to address emerging societal challenges
1.4 Provide structured career mentoring and centralized experiential learning opportunities by leveraging internal and external partnerships
1.5 Offer inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces for students of all identities
Tactics
²Ø¾«¸ó is committed to creating a dynamic, student-focused learning environment. We will strengthen and expand our academic programs to be more innovative, challenging and aligned with real-world opportunities. We will provide students with an education that not only builds knowledge but also prepares them for the careers and challenges of the future. By embracing innovative ideas in curriculum, co-curriculum, hands-on learning, and professional development across all colleges, we will make sure students have access to high-quality programs that support their growth and success. Learning will go beyond the classroom and equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in work and life.
Goal: Strengthen, grow, and promote ²Ø¾«¸ó’s distinctive academic programs that prepare students to be leaders
Objectives:
2.1 Advance innovative academic programs that reflect RU’s social justice mission and values
2.2 Use rigorous assessment to evaluate and revise academic programs to prepare graduates for career opportunities
2.3 Infuse academic programs with high-impact teaching and learning practices to prepare global citizens with relevant skills and competencies to address real-world problems
Tactics
²Ø¾«¸ó is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive community where every student, staff member and faculty member feels a sense of belonging and has opportunities to grow. We will support student and faculty research, creative work and hands-on learning because we believe education should spark new ideas and drive positive social change. We are also committed to attracting and supporting diverse leaders who reflect our values. Our connection to our students doesn’t end at graduation. We will offer lifelong learning opportunities and mentoring programs to link alumni with current students.. And we will make sure to celebrate and share the achievements of our students, faculty, staff and alumni with the world.
Goal: Foster and sustain a culture of institutional excellence
Objectives:
3.1 Recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences that share the RU mission and values in a culture that promotes belonging
3.2 Invest in employee professional development to enhance student service excellence
3.3 Provide and maintain equitable and transparent workload and pay practices
3.4 Support cutting-edge course design, use of innovative technologies, and inclusive pedagogy
3.5 Support faculty and student research and creative work, and enable research collaboration and knowledge discovery
3.6 Communicate broadly the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to both internal and external audiences
Tactics
²Ø¾«¸ó will continue to lead the way in producing a diverse workforce that makes an impact locally and nationally, staying true to our historic mission of access and inclusion. We will expand our reach – strengthening our reputation as a top-tier educational institution, growing our enrollment and deepening our ties to the communities we serve. We will invest in new resources, raise funds to enhance student opportunities and improve our facilities and processes. By continually evolving, we will create more pathways for student success and make a lasting difference in the world.
Goal: Optimize RU’s future by strengthening finances, improving facilities, and leveraging technology
Objectives
4.1 Coordinate a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access at all levels of the university and through external community engagement and advocacy
4.2 Advance a goal-based, comprehensive fundraising plan, including grants and alumni engagement
4.3 Maintain a sustainable, mission-driven undergraduate and graduate enrollment model
4.4 Invest in and maintain secure, sustainable, and accessible facilities and technological systems
4.5 Advance brand strategies and invest in marketing to promote university distinctiveness
4.6 Integrate an institution-wide AI strategy to position ²Ø¾«¸ó as a leader in innovation, equipping students with AI-relevant skills for the future workforce while transforming teaching, learning and institutional operations.
4.7 Establish and operationalize an institutional AI strategy and governance framework to drive measurable improvements in student outcomes, enrollment growth and administrative efficiency
Tactics