Leading in Engagement and Community

Objective D1.1. Ensure that Niner culture supports integrity and respect¹² for all members of the campus community.

• Action D1.1.1. Educate faculty, staff and students about how to support integrity and respect in education, research and University life, and articulate accountability measures.
• Action D1.1.2. Employ continuous improvement assessment to understand and expand the infusion of integrity and respect into all aspects of the University’s culture.
• Action D 1.1.3. Promote fair¹³ and respectful treatment of all employees by providing supervisors with education and resources.
• Action D.1.1.4. Advance access to leadership opportunities. 

Objective D2.1. Increase the value of UNC Charlotte as a great place to work and learn.

• Action D2.1.1. Maximize agility and responsiveness to employee and student needs.
• Action D2.1.2. Optimize policies, practices and procedures for effectiveness and efficiency to ensure that the University offers a work and learning space that meets employer, employee and student needs.
• Action D2.1.3. Increase training, professional and leadership development to strengthen employee effectiveness and contribute to staff advancement.
• Action D2.1.4. Expand the number, types and visibility of University awards and recognitions that celebrate excellence of full- and part-time faculty, staff and students relating to our Guiding Commitments.
• Action D2.1.5. Strengthen faculty and staff governance involvement in relevant decision-making.
• Action D2.1.6. Prioritize interpersonal, environmental, vocational, and data safety and security through ongoing assessments of sources of harm, determination and implementation of adequate measures, examination of responses to challenges through exercises and simulations, and incorporation of results into new policies, procedures and training within existing resources.
• Action D2.1.7. Raise awareness of the University’s workplace through its website, traditional and social media, and regional, state and national rankings.

Objective D2.2. Infuse our Guiding Commitments into all University policies and procedures.

• Action D2.2.1. Conduct ongoing efficacy and accountability audits of University policies (particularly regarding hiring, employee orientations and performance evaluations) and revise according to audit results.
• Action D2.2.2. Ensure that current and new policies and practices are applied fairly and consistently and communicated clearly across all University areas.
• Action D2.2.3. Train employees on implementation of the University’s policies to further embed accountability into the institution’s culture.

Objective D3.1. Enhance an environment that generates student and alumni pride and lifelong connection to the University.

• Action D3.1.1. Increase collaboration regarding activities and communications across University units to improve student and alumni pride in their alma mater.
• Action D3.1.2. Increase collaboration among University Advancement, the Alumni Association, and colleges/departments to develop and implement plans to connect with larger numbers of alumni and employ continuous improvement processes to widen alumni engagement.
• Action D3.1.3. Increase alumni and student pride through programming designed to build connections among the University and its alumni and current students.
• Action D3.1.4. Utilize technology to increase communications, outreach and engagement with alumni and to expand advancement efforts.

Objective D3.2. Expand outreach and build institutional branding and visibility through a unifying, comprehensive communications plan.

• Action D3.2.1. Develop and execute a strategic, comprehensive communications plan that encompasses the new strengths and positioning of the University and synergistically aligns departments’ communication with University branding messaging.
• Action D3.2.2. Elevate the institution’s national profile as a research institution by developing and executing a research-based, consistent and cohesive brand and marketing strategy.
• Action D3.2.3. Increase national and international visibility for the University’s portfolio of strong academic programs through a comprehensive messaging strategy.
• Action D3.2.4. Define and communicate the “Charlotte Model” and the UNC Charlotte urban research university framework.

Objective D4.1. Improve the experiences of student-athletes, and increase fan engagement.

• Action D4.1.1. Win championships by recruiting and developing high-caliber student-athletes, hiring exceptional coaches and athletics staff, and providing the resources and facilities necessary to achieve competitive excellence.
• Action D4.1.2. Position student-athletes for post-college success by committing to their total personal development through academic programming and guidance, leadership training, community service, and mental and physical health care.
• Action D4.1.3. Engage Niner Nation by delivering a successful, visible program that generates enthusiasm, active participation and attendance as well as strong financial support.
• Action D4.1.4. Earn national recognition by achieving competitive excellence, brand prominence and significant exposure on multiple media platforms.

Objective D4.2. Enhance reputation, bolster engagement, and contribute to enrollment through the promotion of the University’s arts, design, performing arts, library, gardens and beautiful campus.

• Action D4.2.1. Assess current campus-based enrichment and engagement activities in arts, design, performing arts, library and gardens; develop and execute a plan with stakeholder involvement (faculty, staff, students and community) with performance indicators to welcome and increase the presence and involvement of community members.
• Action D4.2.2. Inventory current enrichment and engagement activities relating to arts, design, performing arts, library and gardens that can be offered at off-campus locations; create and enact a plan with stakeholder involvement (faculty, staff, students and community) to take these into regional communities to enable participation by more people.
• Action D4.2.3. Attract visitors through increased events, advertising and community partnerships to the University’s locations to showcase the institution and its education, research, engagement, enrichment activities and beautiful campus and address hurdles that hinder visitor access and engagement.
• Action D4.2.4. Host more conferences and meetings for local, national and international organizations to amplify institutional visibility and prestige.

Objective D4.3. Grow philanthropic support for the University.

• Action D4.3.1. Design and implement a multiyear capital campaign that supports the University’s goals established in this strategic plan.
• Action D4.3.2. Expand fundraising capacity among University alumni and friends, grow the number and size of donations.
• Action D4.3.3. Strengthen fundraising collaborations among University Advancement, colleges and departments.
• Action D4.3.4. Develop and nurture deans as fundraising initiators and partners in collaboration with University Advancement.
• Action D4.3.5. Encourage students to show pride in the University and invest in their alma mater. 

Objective D5.1. Foster a culture of sustainability.

• Action D5.1.1. Encourage all departments to prioritize sustainability actions aligned with the University of North Carolina Sustainability Policy. 
• Action D5.1.2. Partner with businesses, public entities and organizations to share solutions and collaboratively pursue regional sustainability success outcomes.

¹² Integrity and respect involve ensuring the highest academic, professional and ethical standards and a collegial culture that embraces different perspectives, civil discourse and free expression, where all University members are treated with respect, fairness and dignity. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (2021). Mission, vision and guiding commitments. https://strategicplan.uncc.edu/mission-vision-and-guiding-commitments

¹³ Fair is defined as treating everyone with respect, consistency and impartiality in decisions, opportunities and responsibilities.

¹⁴ UNC Charlotte pride refers to the sense of ownership, enjoyment and deep respect by students, alumni and other stakeholders. University pride encompasses the advantages of a UNC Charlotte degree in the marketplace, the opportunities to support students and University needs, and the benefits of Niner connections, networks and community. UNC Charlotte pride is also about inspiring students, alumni and administration to advance our institution, city, region and beyond. 

Harrell. G. (2020). 9 Reasons for niner pride. Undergraduate Admissions. https://admissions.charlotte.edu/9-reasons-niner-pride 

University of North Carolina Charlotte. (n.d.). Niners: Then, now and always. Alumni Association. https://49eralumni.charlotte.edu/s/1721/m19/home.aspx?gid=2&pgid=61