President's State of the University Address

PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS

September 8, 2021

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT LOREN J. BLANCHARD To understand how the University of Houston-Downtown can best serve its students, faculty and staff, and the community, the institution embarked on a mission to comprehend where it currently stands in the larger picture of higher education.

I initiated the project, dubbed the Listening Tour, to hear from the people who best know the history, landscape and potential of UHD. During this tour, I posed four questions to spark a dialogue, and person by person, I heard firsthand accounts of people’s innermost thoughts and opinions about the University.

In short, the community spoke, and I listened.

More than 1,200 people voiced their thoughts over the course of 21 sessions. I’ve examined and organized the feedback to determine ways for UHD to enhance its services and quality programming. The items below represent a breakdown of the common themes discovered during the Listening Tour and present a roadmap toward UHD’s future.

Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D President, University of Houston-Downtown

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I have heard from more than 1,100 students, faculty and staff, community partners and friends of UHD during the Listening Tour through campus visits, meetings, a series of informal listening sessions and town halls. These lively discussions were engaging and deeply informative in mapping the University's past, present and future.

The timeline below shows the depth and scope of the Listening Tour's exploration.

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This is what I heard

UHD IS ASCENDING UHD is gaining national prominence thanks to its outstanding, unique, accessible and affordable programs and services.

Our diverse, close-knit community of students, faculty and staff are a microcosm of the working world where our graduates put their education to practice. Building upon those initial competencies, the University continues to grow in ways that shape both the students in our classrooms as well as the community in which we are located.

As an institution UHD generates internal pride among students, faculty and staff. It builds a spirit of community –and family– among its internal stakeholders through its programs and culture.

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Quality Programs Taught by Caring Faculty UHD has enjoyed a steady rise in the number of new academic programs and industry rankings. The education UHD delivers translates to a productive, capable workforce fulfilling roles critical to the greater Houston region. Faculty are experts in their fields and are committed to student success treating their students as more than a number. Professors recognize the varied needs of the student body and respond by remaining flexible in their pedagogical approaches. Additionally, programs such as UHD’s Master of Business Administration offer insights from industry professionals in addition to seasoned scholars.

Legacy and Pride UHD holds a legacy in the community and is regarded as an institution of higher learning that is affordable, caring, diverse, accessible and community focused. Alumni are proud to hold degrees from UHD; companies know they can hire qualified employees from the institution. The quality preparation taking place at the University reverberates in each of our graduates.

Our students graduate with a well-rounded education, work experience and an understanding of the value of diversity – qualities that are in demand in the workforce. Additionally, there is a sense of honor when someone wears a UHD shirt, displays their diploma or shares his/her story about the overall experience at the University.

Shared Governance Interests and initiatives within the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, and Staff Council help to shape the way UHD conducts business and plans for its future. The three groups work closely together with the administration to help the University establish and achieve its strategic priorities.

Sense of Community UHD generates a sense of community that makes all who are a part of the University feel like a family – from students, to staff and faculty, to alumni, to UHD stakeholders. Students, faculty and staff develop bonds that continue even when someone graduates or departs the institution.

Student Body UHD students are an engaged and close-knit community where everyone has a place to fit in, as evidenced by our many student organizations, campus activities and outlets for student involvement.

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UHD is diverse, inclusive, equitable, accessible, affordable and convenient.

The University supports student and community success through many programs and initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusivity UHD enjoys a wealth of diversity in its many forms including race, ethnicity, religion, age, family status, work experience, ability, sexual orientation, and gender. All people who come to UHD can find a place where they belong and are valued and supported, whether it is through the University’s welcoming faculty and staff, student groups, or many opportunities to engage in university-related activities.

Financial Support, Resources for Students Ranked as the most affordable four-year University in the region, UHD strives to support students toward graduation, with financial grants, computer and technical equipment, food accessibility, academic support services, mental health services, and more. .

Accessibility Our Downtown location provides proximity, convenience and relevance, allowing students to remain in the Greater Houston Region to complete their degrees. Joint admissions programs with area community colleges provide a streamlined approach to time and money. Online courses offer students flexible scheduling, an interactive learning experience, fully transferable course credits, quality curricula (identical to that of on-campus classes), and access to oncampus and online student and academic support services.

Veteran Friendly UHD’s commitment to the community includes its members from the armed services. UHD is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its Online Bachelor’s Programs for former service members as well as Online Master’s Criminal Justice Programs. Additionally, UHD has been designated as a Veteran Friendly University and Military Friendly School.

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Small Classes Small class sizes allow faculty to focus on the students’ needs for individual learning and create a better environment for student success.

Commitment to UHD Community and Houstonians UHD has a variety of programs and initiatives that support students outside of the classroom. UHD supports its internal and external stakeholders through a range of programs that help with tax returns, voter registration, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations and a bevy of other opportunities that connect the University to the city it serves. Offices and centers such as the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning and the Office of Impact Learning exist to facilitate such community programming at UHD.

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This is what I heard

UHD IS POISED FOR FURTHER GROWTH In order for UHD to continue rising, the University must commit to constant reflection and improvement. Among our challenges, UHD must align its vision and strategy within each college and department while also ensuring Universitywide focus and unity. This call to action also entails investing in the programs and processes that facilitate student success.

Our mission will always be to serve the students from start to finish of the college experience and when they become alumni.

The University is already working on this objective, and it is always poised for further growth.

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UHD must bolster its institutional focus.

Establish a Clear University-wide Strategic Plan with Clear Goals, Departmental Benchmarks and Aligned Budget Priorities.

The University’s strategic plan must be updated and remain visible to all internal stakeholders. There should be a clear vision for all employees regarding priorities and tasks to be accomplished. Distinct benchmarks also should be in place to measure success and growth.

Create Campus Synergy and Break Down Silos Departments must create synergy and accept responsibility to support both UHD’s mission and student success agenda.

Collaboration and communication can make a positive difference in ensuring students receive the assistance they need and achieve their ultimate goal of completing their degrees.

UHD must improve student retention and completion rates which will also result in improving campus public perceptions and external funding opportunities.

Building the University’s Public Image, Institutional Pride Institutional pride is essential for all universities, and UHD is no different. In growing internal pride, the University must continue to look at new ways of ensuring its students stay on track academically while remaining loyal to the institution.

And pride often is created through an institution’s enhanced public image; one that shows UHD as a quality university that significantly impacts the region.

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Student Support Students rely on the guidance of their colleges and other departments to help them succeed academically. The University will continue to explore new, innovative ways to support students and ensure they remain enrolled and ready to graduate on time. Many such programs are already in place such as the Writing and Reading Center and the Course Innovation Initiative, but the University must continue to explore new ways of ensuring student success.

Creating an Environment of Care Once students are enrolled, the clock begins on UHD’s responsibility to make sure they not only succeed in the classroom but emerge from the University with an earned degree. The University will work to cultivate an environment of care in which faculty and staff continue to mentor students and provide the guidance and support necessary for them to remain enrolled and to graduate.

UHD must commit to student services, programs and facilities that foster student success.

Accessible, Expanded Scholarship Offerings The University must work to inform students of the many scholarships and financial aid available. The institution must support students as they navigate the criteria for such awards, as well as the application processes. Additionally, the University must work to provide more financial assistance benefitting nontraditional students, or transfer students, as well as part-time students balancing work and school.

Promote Open Access Textbooks It is always in the interest of UHD to find accessible, cost-saving measures to deliver education. Open access textbooks support student success by providing an affordable alternative to course materials.

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Safety Although UHD has been ranked one of the safest universities in the nation, the downtown location can seem intimidating to some stakeholders. Students must be reminded that security patrol the campus regularly and callboxes, security escorts and other resources are readily available 24 hours daily.

Commitment to Serving and Understanding Our Diverse Populations UHD is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI); however, it is critical that the University continues to understand the significance of these designations. With that in mind, staff and faculty should understand the cultural accountability that comes with being an HSI and MSI and continue to develop curriculum and programming that support these student populations.

Expanding Student Engagement Programs and Facilities That Contribute to a Complete College Student Experience Although we are a commuter campus, many students crave the “full-university” experience found at residential institutions. Expanding programs like study abroad, and experiential learning and facilities like a student union and the Student Wellness & Sucess Center (under construction now) will go a long way to grow and maintain student engagement and enrollment.

Supporting Students Throughout Their Academic Journey and Beyond While significant attention is placed on students who are First Time in College upon their arrival, it is critical to support them throughout their time at the University. It would be wise for the University to have support systems for freshman or first-year students during their second semester as well as sophomores, upper classmen, non-traditional and graduate students – all of whom sometimes feel left without guidance or a support infrastructure.

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Customer Service UHD has a distinct need for knowledgeable, friendly and professional customer service teams to address questions and complaints from current and prospective students. Potential ideas to achieve this include effective cross-training for staff in student-facing offices to ensure students’ issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, a centralized call center, specialized evening services, better promotion of university services and resources, and a consistently updated University website.

Enrollment Outreach Should Be Viewed as a Campus Investment Having designated ambassadors, be they staff members, faculty or students, who are well-informed about UHD and can meaningfully engage prospective students from K-12 schools and community colleges could greatly benefit the University.

Expand Student Affairs to Meet Current Student Population The University must continue to expand student-focused spaces to keep students engaged with campus life and extend their involvement with UHD programming. As enrollments grow, the need for student spaces (both for studying and recreational use) becomes increasingly essential.

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This is what I heard

UHD IS OVERCOMING BARRIERS UHD is not immune to change and disruption, and because of that, we must take steps to safeguard the role the University plays in higher education. The competition for funding is an ever-present reality that affects all institutions of higher education. The University has also experienced confusion over its position in the marketplace, recent shifts in leadership, barriers to enrollment and infrastructure limitations. Despite these vulnerabilities, UHD strives to find creative and effective solutions that reinforce its mission and bolster the University’s purpose and influence in the region.

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UHD needs a broader funding model that consistently meets the needs of faculty, staff and students.

Supporting Staffing Needs to Promote Enrollment Growth UHD continues to hit enrollment milestones and must recruit and retain support staff to accommodate and support the volume of students arriving on campus in order to ensure their persistance and degree completion.

Investing in Student Services Just as the University must make a solid investment in staffing, it also must commit to those services that benefit our students. This includes an expansion of counseling services, healthcare services, career services, advising services and other necessary amenities to ensure student success.

Achieve Stronger Funding from the State Legislature As a non-Tier One university … and a non-flagship institution… the University has long competed for sufficient funding from the state legislature. Budget gains have been modest over the years, the University must work strategically to create a prosperous future for its campus and its students.

Overly Dependent on Funding from Enrollment Enrollment is critical to UHD’s success, but the University must seek other avenues of funding. The institution continues to play a major role in the region’s economic growth and should be recognized and rewarded for its efforts to strengthen the prosperity of the city and state.

Increase Donor Base Fundraising is a priority at all institutions of higher education, but to effectively grow, UHD must cultivate new gifts from untapped sources within and beyond our community. UHD must clearly identify funding priorities and seek support from the broader community of alumni, the local philanthropic community, national foundations and organizations.

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UHD must continue to bolster its reputation and position within the University community and in the marketplace.

Making UHD a School of First Choice UHD should no longer be considered a backup choice for students. This University is an institution where students can earn a degree of value, accomplish their goals, and lay a foundation for their future.

Building University Pride and Identity As a non-residential campus, it can be challenging to build university pride among the UHD community members. The University must work to further engage external stakeholders in sharing its stories with the community. Internally, the University must strive to ensure employees are appreciated and supported. Employee retention is as critical as student retention in creating a caring environment. Additionally, UHD must continue to ensure that Houstonians are well-aware of its legacy in the city.

Involve Families in the Educational Experience Family engagement is an enrollment and retention strategy.

Parents, siblings and extended family members are critical to student success and are potential future UHD students.

In order to create a family-friendly climate, continuity and commitment to student success, UHD should create bonding experiences that connect students’ families to the campus.

Asserting the UHD Brand Because of UHD’s proximity to the University of Houston System flagship institution, and naming conventions within the system, many Houstonians think the two universities are one and the same. UHD must continue to communicate its mission and position within the region, as well as those traits that set it apart from other institutions.

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Strengthen Its Role within the University of Houston System The University of Houston-Downtown holds a unique distinction within the UH System. It remains the second largest University in the System and the most diverse.

UHD must continue to assert its identity as a distinct university within the System, serving a specific mission and offering distinguishable academic programming.

Support of UHD’s Distance Sites UHD has increased access to higher education through course offerings at UHD Northwest and Lone Star College campuses.

Students, faculty and staff at these sites should be reminded that they too are members of the University Community.

Regular, inclusive communications and support can make a difference in ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are aware of their roles at UHD regardless of their respective locations.

The University must address leadership changes and challenges to its infrastructure.

Leadership Culture Shared governance remains a priority as does clear, consistent communication across the campus to ensure constituent group voices are heard. Also important is the consistency of leadership at the University. Both the University and the UH System must strive to retain Presidents and Provosts who will steer the institution toward bold new horizons.

Retaining Talent UHD must work to address employee turnover and equitable salaries. As UHD already is addressing this issue with a recent market study to examine salary structures, campus leaders should continue to take strides in ensuring a productive employee base remains in place.

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Improve Campus Transparency and Integrity Clear communication is key in ensuring internal stakeholders are informed and confident in administrative decisions and strategies. The University will continue to strive for transparency in its decision-making and strategic planning processes.

Physical Accessibility The University will continue to support all of its community members by remaining ADA-compliant and continuing to evaluate its facilities, parking lots and other areas to ensure UHD remains accessible to all who arrive on campus.

New Attitudes and Mindsets UHD Community members must be willing to accept new ways of looking at issues (and avoiding complacency) to effectively serve an evolving student base and embrace emerging technologies relevant to higher education.

Additionally, time must be spent in developing updated strategies that further support the mission of the institution and the success of its students. Further, the University must work to make staff members aware of their responsibilities to the University through updated job descriptions and support their career aspirations with professional development opportunities.

UHD is addressing ongoing barriers to enrollment growth.

Competition with Regional Recruiting as Other Institutions Receive Hispanic-Serving Institution Designations A Hispanic-Serving Institution designation is not exclusive.

As other institutions increase Hispanic enrollment, UHD faces competition in attracting quality students. UHD must continue to make prospective students from regional high schools aware of the academic opportunities that await them at its campuses.

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UH System Limiting Program Growth The University must work with the UH System to ensure that students receive high-demand academic programs that prepare them for the workforce. The institution must do so while not competing with existing UH System degree offerings yet providing its students with value-added programs that contribute to the region’s economic landscape.

Staying Competitive with New Degrees UHD must continue to develop new academic programs that prepare students for emerging careers within a variety of industries.

In doing so, the University must closely assess the economic landscapes of both Houston and Texas to determine degree paths that will lead to successful professional outcomes for students.

Additionally, the University must collaborate with leaders across a range of disciplines to effectively develop curricula that will prepare students for the competitive workforce.

Enhancing Connections Between Deans and Enrollment Planning Those leading UHD’s colleges must balance and focus equal energies on academics and the strategic process of managing college enrollment and contributing to the full enrollment management process, including student recruitment.

Bolstering Student Standards UHD must continue to overcome its previous reputation as an open admissions institution and assert its role as a university of choice for students within the region.

Enhance Research Opportunities Research is an essential element of UHD’s academic composition.

Whether it’s sponsored faculty research or undergraduate research, the University must continue to make available opportunities for critical investigations and studies that support issues affecting the world at large.

Infrastructure There is much uncertainty with regards to how UHD will be affected by the planned I-45 expansion and North Canal projects.

The University will continue to work with community partners and civic leaders to ensure its community is informed as this project develops and its interests are at the forefront of discussions.

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This is what I heard

UHD IS SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN ITS PURPOSE FOR THE FUTURE UHD constantly endeavors to develop new partnerships and bridge the classroom to the working world.

The University realizes its revered relationship with Houston’s industry leaders translates into successful outcomes for our students and faculty. Through our partnerships, we can elevate student achievement and University accomplishments.

Our drive to connect our University family and the community benefits everyone, and UHD has earned the recognition as the birthplace of opportunity.

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UHD has an opportunity to become an anchor institution, partnering more with elected officials, area businesses and local communities.

Greater Partnership with Downtown, Local and Regional Communities Thanks to UHD’s proximity to a consortium of leading industry members, the University possesses the prime opportunity to enterprise off its location and build partnerships for internships as well as future job placement for UHD alumni.

Enhance Marketing and Branding Efforts The University earns multiple noteworthy recognitions from industry peers. UHD can maximize the usefulness of these designations by putting a heavier emphasis on promoting its successes. Additionally, a branded campus will remind students of UHD’s identity and promise to all students. It also promotes a sense of belonging and a physical space conducive to an optimal learning environment. We have the opportunity to remove the veil and show the true value of the UHD experience to all who enter our doors and beyond.

Increase Donor Funds for Scholarships While the University aims to provide needs-based scholarships, there is also a need for more merit-based scholarship opportunities. UHD can fulfill its goal of providing a quality education to students who show promise for future success and support students with financial need and those who demonstrate high academic potential.

Set UHD Apart UHD is often in competition with other regional universities as well as the components of the UH System. It would benefit UHD to promote how this institution differs from the competition and point out the unique experience that only a UHD education can provide.

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Sustainability UHD can become a leader when it comes to sustainability initiatives, including providing more on-campus facilities that are eco-friendly, as well as fostering a sense of duty to care for our environment.

Promote University Pride…with Our People There is no greater ambassador for our University than our students and alumni. If UHD can create affinity and pride among these groups, it will ripple into the community and solidify the University’s reputation as a quality choice in higher education as well as attract employers and community partners.

50th Anniversary Planning, Create Excitement UHD has a once-in-its-history opportunity to showcase its relevance and impact as the 50th anniversary approaches.

This creates a central thread that the Gator Community – past, present and future - can relate to, embrace, and celebrate.

UHD has opportunities to improve infrastructure and processes to support student success and the institution’s overall goals and mission.

Enhancing Online Learning Opportunities The institution should focus part of its upcoming strategic plan on enhancing online course offerings and commit resources to support new and current online programs.

Additionally, faculty should be trained to effectively teach online courses, and UHD must commit to technological resources to ensure students receive a quality online education that parallels classroom instruction.

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Process Mapping the Student Experience from Matriculation to Graduation and Addressing the Potential Barriers and Creating a Seamless Student Experience UHD should be able to provide a roadmap for students that will give them efficient, succinct steps to attain their college education and degree. By identifying the areas where we are deficient in this process, we can find solutions that ultimately create a better student experience and alleviate some of the challenges experienced by the staff.

Data Driven Decision-Making at UHD UHD has the capability to collect and analyze various student and faculty data sets as well as test their feasibility in order to make informed decisions.

Holistic Support of Students UHD has the capability to expand services beyond academics to include care for students in their entirety, which includes food, housing, mental health, financial assistance and social services. Additionally, financial literacy training can significantly impact students’ financial wellbeing while balancing bills both during their time here and long after graduating.

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The way forward UHD INSTITUTIONAL COMPASS: LEADING TO FOUR POINTS OF EXCELLENCE STRENGTHENING ​​​JUSTICE UHD is committed to reducing barriers that have traditionally impeded members of our region from achieving higher education, including financial, health, social and environmental disparities. Through our programs, policies, curricula and support, we must aspire to create a more just educational community focused on ensuring our diverse university population is equipped for success beyond our classrooms and well into the future.

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STRENGTHENING STUDENT SUCCESS & EQUITY As a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UHD is transforming today’s diverse student population into tomorrow’s leaders, trained to work in a multifaceted, ever-changing world. To ensure UHD can meet this critical mission, it must address equity in and out of the classroom so that all students can maximize their education.

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SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE​ AND INFRASTRUCTURE Faculty and staff are key ambassadors to what UHD stands for in this city, state and nation. We must provide these critical stakeholders with personal and professional growth to ensure they can further advocate for the University both on campus and in the community. Further, the University must solidify its financial structure in order to invest more meaningfully in its people.

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GROWING AS AN ANCHOR INSTITUTION To fully realize the potential for UHD to impact the city, region, and state, it must immerse itself in the work and partnerships that create wealth, equity and stability.

To do this, it must address complexities among various cultures through civic engagement and by unifying our community. No longer should the University merely be a stage for civic engagement and community service, but it should position itself as a key player in these arenas.

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