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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Transforming MSU plan?

Transforming MSU is a summary of how we will deliver on our mission as a public research, land-grant university to provide access and opportunity to all sectors of Mississippi’s diverse population, as well as other states and countries, and to offer excellent programs of teaching, research, and service.  The plan is grounded by the five pillars of transformation, which provide the key focus areas that will guide our success.  Each pillar outlines our goals and intended outcomes for the work we will accomplish together.  Visit the Strategic Plan page for details.

Why do we need a new strategic plan?

As we prepare for our 150th anniversary as an institution, Mississippi State University is committed to continue building on the progress of the last plan by transforming the way we deliver our mission.  As the higher education landscape continues to change and the challenges our state faces remain, we must evolve our ways of serving the needs of all whom we serve. 

The north star vision provides us with a bold vision of the future at MSU that our entire university community can use to challenge the status quo and find new ways of collaborating and inspiring action together.

How will we measure success?

A major shift in how this strategic plan will differ is in the methods we use to track our progress.  We moved beyond defining success as measures of effort; we are focused on measures of effect.  Using the Kellogg Logic Model, we have defined what our ultimate impacts will be and worked from there to determine target outcomes for each pillar.  Moreover, we will be using improved methods of measurement to track our progress. 

How will the strategic plans within divisions, colleges, and units be impacted?

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness will provide guidance on updates and changes to unit-level plans.  Leaders in impacted divisions will be notified in early summer and will have the opportunity to attend training and work directly with members of the OIRE team to design a plan that aligns with the intended outcomes and progress measures that have been defined for the university-wide plan.

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