Goal: Ensure an excellent, accessible, and inclusive education for all students.
Rationale: Through optimal support and resources, effective pedagogies, and well-informed curricula, all our students can successfully formulate and achieve their goals and graduate prepared to pursue fulfilling lives as they contribute to the common good and a sustainable future.
Objectives and Strategies
1. Provide a transformative education through high-quality instruction and an excellent and evolving curriculum
| Strategies | |
|---|---|
| Strategy 1 | Improve instructional excellence through faculty support and recognition for curricular innovation |
| Strategy 2 | Expand and deepen curricular opportunities through hands on/experiential learning and high-impact practices (HIPs) |
Metrics
Graduate student learning outcomes
(Composite score, Master's Student Learning Experiences Survey, Scale 1-4)
Percentage of students participating in at least one HIP
(AY 2025)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking Among 225 Top National Public Universities
(undergraduate)
Graduating senior satisfaction with career preparation and guidance in major
(2024 average, Scale: 1=Very Dissatisfied, 2=Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3= Somewhat Satisfied, 4=Very Satisfied)
Master's student perception of career-related information and guidance in program
(2024 average, Scale: 1=Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Good, 4=Very Good, 5=Excellent)
Undergraduate student experience with academic major
(2025 composite measure, scale 1-4)
Undergraduate student learning outcomes
2. Provide holistic support throughout the student journey to foster success
| Strategies | |
|---|---|
| Strategy 1 | Strengthen and expand holistic student supports and student success initiatives through deepening collaboration and partnership |
| Strategy 2 | Improve rates of completion and retention |
| Strategy 3 | Bolster enrollment management to meet 21st Century needs |
Metrics
4th year graduation rate
(F2020 Cohort)
6th year graduation rate
(F2018 Cohort)
First-year retention rate
(F2023 Cohort)
Undergraduate senior perceptions of educational experience
(2023 rating: good to excellent)
Master's and doctoral student perceptions of academic experience
(2024 average, Scale: 1=Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Good, 4=Very Good, 5=Excellent)
Graduating senior student satisfaction with academic advising in major
(2024 average, Scale: 1=Very Dissatisfied, 2=Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3= Somewhat Satisfied, 4=Very Satisfied)
Master's and doctoral student perceptions on advising and guidance in program
(2024 average, Scale: 1=Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Good, 4=Very Good, 5=Excellent)
Undergraduate and graduate student average sense of belonging and inclusion: "I feel I belong at UMass"
(2021 Scale: 1=To No Extent, 2=To Some Extent, 3=To Great Extent)
Time to degree for Transfer, Masters, and PhD students
View all strategic plan goals and objectives
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a Project Consultation Request Form to let OIE know how we can help turn university objectives into meaningful outcomes. Please be prepared to provide details on the project, criteria for success, and any relevant timelines or capacity concerns.