MS in Speech-Language Pathology Strategic Plan

Mission Statement for the Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences Department

The Speech Language Hearing Sciences Department will impart knowledge about human communication, swallowing, and related disorders; foster the necessary skills to practice speech-language pathology competently, and serve individuals affected by communication disorders in a diverse society.

Vision Statement for the Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences Department

The Speech Language Hearing Sciences department at Minnesota State University Moorhead aims to be the region's premiere program in the field of human communication sciences and disorders. We seek to transform outstanding students into professionals who will competently and compassionately meet the needs of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

Program Objectives

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse body of high-quality students to our undergraduate and graduate programs and supporting them through high-quality rigorous courses, inclusive environments, clinical experiences, and faculty-mentored research opportunities.
• Meeting the regional workforce need for speech-language pathologists in school, medical, and private practice settings.
• Operating in a collegial student-focused environment where all students, faculty, clinical educators, and staff are respected and valued for their unique strengths.
• Employing and retaining high-quality faculty and clinical educators through the provision of appropriate workloads, mentoring, and infrastructure so they can excel in classroom and clinic instruction, research, and service endeavors.
• Fostering collaboration between the departments within our College of Education and Human Services, within MSUM, and with surrounding organizations in the region.
• Serving the region through the MSUM Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic by providing state-of-the-art assessments, interventions, technologies, and resources.
• Functioning as a financially sustainable SLHS department to provide an extraordinary undergraduate and graduate education.

SLHS Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Long Term Goals

1. MSUM Strategic Anchor: Student Achievement Strategic Framework: Academic Relevance *Student Experience*
   We will define the distinctive attributes of our academic experience, building on the strengths that differentiate MSUM regardless of a student’s academic major. We will also ensure that we offer the optimal mix of programs and delivery modes to achieve our enrollment goals and financial sustainability.
   1. Maintain state-of-the-art facilities and clinical programs including teletherapy, simulations, sensory room, audiology suite, community partnerships, and the Regional Assistive Technology Center and participate as a community lending library through the MN STAR grant program
   2. Maintain accreditation to continue offering the SLP graduate program.
   3. Recruit and retain excellent students in SLHS and SLP programs through best practices in instruction, advising, mentorship, and celebration of student success.
   4. Integrate best practices of Artificial Intelligence Literacy in curriculum
      
      
2. MSUM Strategic Anchor: Diversity and Inclusion *Strategic Framework: Academic Relevance *Student Experience*
   We will continue to build our organizational capacity to achieve equitable educational outcomes for all students, recognizing that achieving equity will require changing our systems, policies, practices, assumptions, and campus climate.
   1. Integrate patient- and family-centered care through coursework and clinical experiences.
   2. Provide clinical services to a diverse clientele of communication needs and backgrounds.
   3. Provide regular study abroad programs for the SLHS/SLP programs.
3. MSUM Strategic Anchor: Community Development/Engagement *Strategic Framework: Regional Engagement*
   We will build community partnerships that strengthen and sustain our academic programs, enhance students’ educational experiences, and meet important community needs.
   1. Strategically plan off-campus screenings and service-learning opportunities for efficiency and student needs.
   2. Foster relationships and share knowledge with community professionals and organizations in the region.
      1. Partner with Foundation to sponsor an event for May National Speech Language Hearing Month & Spring SLHS Clinic Giving campaign every 1-2 years
      2. Host MSUM/UND Symposium in FY 27 and alumni/staff networking event
   3. Collaborate with organizations within and outside of MSUM to provide opportunities for students to serve the community/region and benefit students’ learning.