Strategic Themes - Strategic Plan for The University of Texas at Dallas

Attract Talent

Recruit the Highest-Quality Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators

The competition for talent is fierce and a decisive element in the economic development and success of the nation. Thus, UT Dallas must attract the best students, faculty, staff and administrators.

UT Dallas must foster the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to ensure that the faculty, staff and administrators reflect the demographics of the University’s growing and diverse student body.

The University must offer appealing positions to hire and retain the best and brightest staff. UT Dallas will become an employer of choice where ambitious professionals see the University as an ideal destination.

To attract students, UT Dallas must provide rigorous academic experiences that teach them critical thinking and skills vital to success in the workplace.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Recruit the best and brightest students from around the globe.
2. Improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.
3. Increase matriculation from Texas community colleges.
4. Recruit excellent faculty members across all University disciplines.
5. Recruit outstanding staff to support University operations.
6. Recruit women and members of underrepresented groups for faculty, staff and administrative positions.
7. Ensure current hiring and recruitment practices are sustainable and aligned with the principles of DEI to hire and retain a diverse faculty, staff and administration.
8. Provide all search committees the necessary DEI training prior to commencing the job search.
9. Reinstate faculty and staff exit surveys and evaluate aggregate data to identify areas that could inform retention practices.
10. Periodically survey the campus to ensure that our culture is “best in class” to accomplish the preceding objectives.
11. Share our success stories, so that the external community is aware of the “Tier 1” university located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Enrich the Student Experience

Guarantee a Comprehensive Approach to Student Success

Creating an environment in which all students can be successful is a critical component of this plan, and with the rapid growth in enrollment, UT Dallas must ensure that our students are fully engaged and prepared for a life of contribution, leadership and fulfillment.

UT Dallas will continue to inspire a culture of academic excellence that develops well-rounded students, responds to the needs of a diverse population, and uses the most advanced technologies that enhance both teaching and learning.

With technology, the University will reach far more students than through traditional instruction and will go beyond online learning by using new approaches such as “hybrid” and “flipped” classrooms. We will build upon what we learned in 2020, when much of our education moved online.

UT Dallas will ensure students gain marketable skills and service-learning opportunities that help them develop as effective employees and members of their communities.

The University will develop and enhance its systems that support student success by creating opportunities and services for all students, from matriculation to graduation. Faculty, staff and administrators will work together to ensure that students make steady and timely progress toward earning a degree.

UT Dallas will be a vibrant residential campus with quality classrooms. Common spaces will promote students’ well-being and quality of life, including study, collaboration, dining, sports and recreation.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Execute our new student success initiative — Orbit: Keeping New Comets on Course.
2. Use new predictive analytics to enhance student success.
3. Increase on-campus internship and research opportunities.
4. Integrate curricular and co-curricular activities to ensure a comprehensive student experience.
5. Develop a comprehensive and coordinated advising system that provides a clear path from matriculation to graduation.
6. Develop majors in emerging fields that prepare students for 21st-century employment.
7. Increase the use of new technologies to support teaching and learning.
8. Effectively use full-time and part-time instructors to enhance learning.
9. Increase space to support study, collaboration and extracurricular activities.
10. Build and develop an interdisciplinary makerspace.
11. Optimize the use of available classroom space.
12. Enhance support for programs and departments that provide services supporting first-generation and underrepresented students to foster collaboration and build community for student success.
13. Promote education abroad opportunities so that new students will understand the value of international study and take advantage of numerous study abroad experiences available to them during their time on campus.
14. Encourage companies and government organizations to support University programs in multiple ways, including co-ops, internships and capstone projects.
Engage Globally

Integrate Our Curriculum with the Modern World

Crossing boundaries and encouraging creative partnerships have been keys to the success of UT Dallas. So, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the University must be at the forefront of global education, conversation and support services.

Global education, an integral part of the learning process, will include opportunities for students to study and intern abroad, a curriculum that offers an international perspective in every discipline, and the development of worldwide research networks by faculty.

Global conversations will include programs that foster intercultural understanding, interaction and collaboration within the campus community and with international partners. This will help students become interculturally competent graduates prepared for a competitive workforce.

Global support services will include programs for international students and faculty, as well as partnerships with universities, organizations and alumni abroad to attract the best talent to UT Dallas.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Increase the number of students in study abroad programs.
2. Encourage all four-year undergraduate students to complete one course in a topic related to globalization or diversity of traditions.
3. Grow the geographic diversity and scope of partnerships with other universities for additional study abroad and exchange opportunities.
4. Provide additional internship and job opportunities through partnerships with companies in North Texas, the United States and abroad.
5. Enhance intercultural competence programs for students, faculty and staff to encourage greater understanding, interaction and collaboration within the UT Dallas community.
Enrich the Arts

Increase Our Commitment to and Appreciation for the Arts

As an expression of human intellect and creativity, the arts play an important role at UT Dallas by enhancing the University’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

But to ensure that UT Dallas develops versatile individuals, the University must integrate the arts fully into its vision and the experience of its students.

UT Dallas will develop multidimensional students who have the opportunity to express their creativity through the arts. The University will ensure that students gain an appreciation for the elements of the human experience that deepen that experience and enrich lives.

UT Dallas must create a vibrant, artistic environment commensurate with its aspirations and become a hub for the arts in North Texas.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Improve student access to the visual and performing arts.
2. Expand and enhance visual and performing arts facilities and infrastructure at UT Dallas.
3. Establish cultural outreach functions to support University efforts to advance the arts.
Advance Research

Create New Knowledge To Enhance the Human Experience

Graduate student research and education is in UT Dallas’ DNA and continues to be a cornerstone in solidifying the University’s path to becoming a nationally prominent institution.

To enhance its reputation for research, UT Dallas must attract and retain outstanding faculty, as well as bolster the number and quality of its doctoral students. Excellent faculty attracts strong students, and obtaining excellent, well-supported doctoral students helps to attract and retain excellent faculty.

The University also must create an atmosphere in which regularly applying for federal funding is expected and rewarded.

To increase its productivity and visibility, UT Dallas will create centers in fundable areas that appeal to leading researchers and train postdoctoral and doctoral students to work across multiple disciplines.

The University will increase the number of self-supporting research faculty through incentives, bringing more innovations to the public through commercialization.

Through collaborations with corporations and other universities, UT Dallas will contribute discoveries and take on challenges in research that impact the world.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Increase the number and diversity of research-active faculty.
2. Increase the externally funded research portfolio, especially through grants and contracts with federal agencies.
3. Collaborate with corporate partners in North Texas to address applied research problems of shared interest.
4. Increase the number and diversity of doctoral students.
5. Improve the preparedness and graduation rates of doctoral students.
6. Invest in research facilities and services, including cyber- infrastructure, data management and collaborative gateways.
7. Seek recruitment and collaborative research opportunities with partner universities.
Become an Economic Engine for the Region

Collaborate in Service to Our Community and the World

As a key partner with industry, government, cultural organizations and schools in North Texas, UT Dallas will expand and deepen its networks outside of campus.

The University will help businesses develop their employees’ knowledge and skills to expand economic development in the region, the nation and the world.

UT Dallas will collaborate with government and nonprofit organizations to improve society and systems of governance.

The University will continue to be one part of a larger educational system that requires collaborating with K-12 schools, community colleges and other UT System universities to enhance national and global development.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Expand entrepreneurship and commercialization programs.
2. Expand collaborations with North Texas firms for research and development, and training.
3. Extend the reach of UT Dallas’ training programs to new business, government and nonprofit markets.
4. Expand collaborations with UT Southwestern Medical Center and other UT System institutions.
5. Design and construct spaces and test beds that facilitate innovation and partnerships with community and industry leaders.
Develop Financial and Administrative Systems that Sustain Excellence

Ensure Business and Organizational Systems Support and Enhance the Teaching and Research Missions

As a steward of public trust, UT Dallas must keep its resources strategically aligned to maintain its status and pursue new initiatives.

The University must generate other outside revenue sources, so that it is less dependent on income from enrollment. When UT Dallas adjusts its distribution of resources, the University must continue to be transparent to ensure that its top priorities are sufficiently financed.

UT Dallas must find ways to recover or replace revenue lost in the COVID-19 pandemic.

UT Dallas will continue to evaluate its academic, research and administrative units to make sure they contribute to the University’s aspirations effectively. Similarly, administrative duties, reporting lines and related decision-making should be changed, as necessary. Depending on the risk, cost and University impact of its results, decision-making should be as decentralized as possible, requiring greater accountability by UT Dallas’ leadership.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Ensure financial resources are sustainable and aligned with UT Dallas priorities.
2. Ensure organizational structures are effective and support the vision for the University.
3. Leverage services to maximize the return on investment.
4. Ensure that the administrative systems maintain a strong service culture.
Create a Culture of Philanthropy

Expand the Number and Size of Gifts That Support the Teaching and Research Missions

Over the years, UT Dallas has benefited from great support that has impacted the lives of students, the endeavors of faculty and the scope of campus. In sculpting the next era for the University, alumni and friends will play an increasingly important role, and UT Dallas must facilitate their lifelong engagement to support the advancement of the University’s vision and mission.

UT Dallas must make supporters and their satisfaction central to operations that optimize and increase collaboration in prospect management and research, records management, gift processing, endowment services, donor relations and stewardship.

Enriching the culture of philanthropy across the University is necessary to raise the funds that will improve the quality of programs for education and student success.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Provide meaningful engagement opportunities for the relatively small and young alumni base.
2. Increase alumni giving, both in amount and percentage participation.
3. Grow and diversify the University’s endowment.
4. Assess feasibility and, if warranted, launch a comprehensive campaign.
5. Undertake a communications and marketing campaign.
6. Increase UT Dallas’ participation at major conferences, government committees and other noteworthy events.
7. Celebrate and build upon the University’s 50th anniversary in academic year 2020.
Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment

Make UT Dallas a Great Place To Study and Work

UT Dallas strives to provide its students, staff and faculty with a beautiful environment that is healthy and safe, and which enables all in the community to work at their best while also maintaining family obligations and outside interests.

To improve work-life balance, the University will study the best practices at other institutions, while emphasizing the principles of public service, human dignity and productivity. UT Dallas will provide opportunities to ensure that staff members’ skills are consistent with the needs of their jobs. The University will create a workplace in which both well-being and productivity coexist.

The University will continue to embrace sustainability through resource conservation, composting, care of the natural environment and recycling. As the campus grows, UT Dallas will pursue additional measures to minimize its environmental footprint.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Enhance employees’ work environment and sense of belonging.
2. Ensure that the work environment is in harmony with other obligations of life.
3. Conduct a campus climate survey at regular intervals.
4. Ensure a sustainable future for the campus and the environment.
5. Ensure that UT Dallas builds on its nimble, service-oriented, caring culture.
6. Provide the computing and networking needed to support an ever more mobile workforce and student body.
7. Develop a progressive library organization with resources on par with regional and aspirational peers.
Foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Take Care of Our People

UT Dallas commits itself to integrating the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into every level of our organization and operations. These principles are defined as follows:

Diversity: Representation of the full array of individual differences in regard to disability, age, country of origin, culture, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or other ways in which we may be unique but also similar to one another.

Equity: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all students, staff and faculty at every stage of their education and career development, and the active identification and elimination of barriers that prevent the full participation by all individuals.

Inclusion: The act of creating a community in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued.

A diversity of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to UT Dallas’ vision and mission. The University will maintain and expand the community in which faculty, staff and students collaborate to create a warm, inclusive, equitable and physically safe environment. UT Dallas will be a place where members of the community from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.

Supporting Initiatives
1. Create an institutional strategy and action plan to identify and achieve DEI goals, including addressing gaps of inclusion by underrepresented and low socioeconomic status.
2. Track progress toward DEI goals and publish regular updates on the University website.
3. Develop diversity, equity and inclusion education programs and strategies led by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (formerly the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement) to foster an inclusive campus climate.
4. Integrate diversity education into the annual compliance education program.
5. Require anti-bias and diversity and inclusion education for all supervisory personnel and for faculty and staff search committees.
6. Identify opportunities to expand need-based scholarship programs and tuition support to make a UT Dallas education more affordable.
7. Pursue designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution to join a group of research universities with this distinction.
8. Identify opportunities to include DEI initiatives in the faculty annual report and review process.
9. Provide development and retention programs to help all faculty and staff members find success at UT Dallas.

Attract Talent

Supporting Initiatives

Enrich the Student Experience

Supporting Initiatives

Engage Globally

Supporting Initiatives

Enrich the Arts

Supporting Initiatives

Advance Research

Supporting Initiatives

Become an Economic Engine for the Region

Supporting Initiatives

Develop Financial and Administrative Systems that Sustain Excellence

Supporting Initiatives

Create a Culture of Philanthropy

Supporting Initiatives

Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment

Supporting Initiatives

Foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Supporting Initiatives

Attract Talent

Enrich the Student Experience

Engage Globally

Enrich the Arts

Advance Research

Become an Economic Engine for the Region

Develop Financial and Administrative Systems that Sustain Excellence

Create a Culture of Philanthropy

Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment

Foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion