During last year’s annual University Address, Wayne State President M. Roy Wilson cited the need for a strategic plan. 

On Sept. 15, before a capacity crowd in the Student Center Ballroom, he unveiled “Distinctively Wayne State University,” a five-year strategic plan laying the foundation for strategic focus areas and core values for 2016-21. 

Adopted last month by the Board of Governors, the plan includes vision and mission statements based on the following core values: collaboration, innovation, excellence, diversity and inclusion, and integrity. 

“These (core values) are our North Star,” Wilson said. “They guide our way, and they cannot be compromised.”

WSU’s mission statement includes three major areas and challenges: “To create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities.” 

In reference to “preparing a diverse student body to thrive,” Wilson offered a challenge. “That Wayne State will do its part to commit to a four-year graduation — the pathway will be there for whatever major the student decides upon; the advising will be there to help guide the way; the required classes will be available for the students to take. Students do their part, and Wayne State does its part.

“One student at a time, we must do everything we can to assist them to thrive and become productive members of our society,” he added.

During his address, the president also noted updates in various areas, including:

• Enrollment: As of Sept. 14, freshman enrollment increased 16.9 percent over last year. The yield for admitted freshmen was 32.5 percent, which is 10 percentage points higher than last year’s yield. Admitted graduate students increased 3.9 percent over last year, while the number of professional students enrolled increased by 1.4 percent. That includes a 10.5 percent increase in first-year law students, which goes against the national trend.
• Retention: Retention into the third year and into the fourth year is at the highest levels in at least 16 years, translating into an improved six-year graduation rate. 
• Research: In comparing July 2013 to July 2015, total extramural funding has increased 32 percent; National Science Foundation funding increased 87 percent, and National Institutes of Health funding 31 percent. Research awards at the end of August 2015 were $150.3 million, which is up about $20 million from August 2014.  
• Pivotal Moments campaign: Since the start of Wayne State’s campaign last October, the university has raised $95 million. As of July 30, Wayne State has raised $452 million of the $750 million goal.  

To view the complete “Distinctively Wayne State University” document, visit strategicplan.wayne.edu.