Strategic Plan for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

In Fall 2011, a research survey was distributed via email to the USM faculty.  We asked the faculty to voluntarily participate in this survey.  The survey is now closed.  The data collected is being analysed and an executive summary discussing the results was released.

Our goal is to develop a five year strategic plan for research and scholarship at the University of Southern Maine. This plan will be aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan and the Maine State Chamber’s Making Maine Work (Recommendations 3-7). As USM is a public comprehensive regional university our focus needs to be applied research and scholarship that meets the needs of the local/state community, economy, and businesses and/or enhances classroom knowledge. Thus, the intent of the plan is to be a functional document that clarifies the role that research and scholarship play at USM and in our community, and to create a blueprint for future growth in our research culture and infrastructure. USM’s goal must be threefold – to foster areas of existing and emerging strengths, to identify integrative research themes that cross disciplinary and administrative boundaries, and build research bridges through interdisciplinary collaboration and partnership, and to undertake a broad range of research and scholarship in support of our educational mission. Discussions will be framed around the principles of: student success, excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity, interdisciplinary research and education, and meeting the needs of the local community.

Your participation will be of great value in achieving these goals.  Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.  Please feel free to continue providing us with feedback on this plan by email at langley@usm.maine.edu.

Our congratulations to the winner of the iPad, Associate Professor of Political Science Francesca Vassallo.