Goal 3: Site
Rejoicing that God works in us, we are equipped to . . .
Enhance our learning and living environment with
high-quality facilities and institutional effectiveness analytics.
INITIATIVE 3.1 Implement MLC Master Site Plan
- Estimate each project’s impact on budget and programs—immediately and again 18 months before construction
- Partner with WELS Capital Projects Committee and Ministry of Christian Giving
Centennial Hall (pictured) houses about 120 first-year women. We’re considering the addition of a third floor—about 60 beds—to this residence hall. It’s part of our Master Site Plan, which drives Initiative 3.1.
The Master Site Plan includes campus enhancements in four categories:
- student housing
- athletics
- music
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Although Scripture, people, and programming are the gist of ministerial training, facilities do matter. Air conditioning, for instance, would allow us to bring groups to campus all summer, enhancing our recruitment and hospitality capabilities.
A fieldhouse and/or track, as well as improved music facilities, would tell high school students we are serious about them fully developing their gifts for use in God’s kingdom.
The Master Site Plan allows us to continue providing a campus that is safe, attractive, and sufficient for the needs of the students dedicating their lives to gospel ministry.
INITIATIVE 3.2 Utilize Data-Driven Analytics to Evaluate All Onsite Support Functions
- Assure regular collection of data
- Complete reports required by state, federal, and accreditation agencies
- Assist departments with process improvement
- Advise on future strategic planning for the college
INITIATIVE 3.3 Appoint a Part-Time Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
- Allocate FTE for this part-time director
INITIATIVE 3.4 Appoint a Compliance Officer to Advise Administration of Higher Education Compliance Issues
- Allocate FTE for this compliance officer or combine it with the director of institutional research & effectiveness
INITIATIVE 3.5 Recruit More Underrepresented Students
- Implement Quality Initiative 2018:
“Enhancing Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Student Populations”
Our 2016-17 student body included the international students pictured here. In the past 15 years, we’ve enrolled students from Canada, Antigua, South Korea, St. Lucia, Colombia, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Pakistan, and Guyana. Our International Services Office supports these students every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
Initiative 3.5 directs us to expand the recruitment and retention of international students—as well as other historically underrepresented student populations: Native American students, African-American students, provisionally accepted students, and married students. These underrepresented students comprise about 11% of our enrollment now.
Why is this expansion important? Because our Lord said to “Make disciples of all nations.” Because the church is growing exponentially in diverse countries, cultures, and neighborhoods. And because WELS has international and multicultural ministry needs now.
