GSBS Strategic Plan

To improve GSBS academic and training outcomes for all students.

Strategy 2.1 - Increase exposure to diverse biomedical career opportunities

• Objective 2.1.1: Improve and expand the annual Student & Faculty Retreat
• Objective 2.1.2: Plan and coordinate the seminar series and journal clubs to expose students to the diversity of biomedical careers
• Objective 2.1.3: Continue to develop the GSBS student mentoring resources
• Objective 2.1.4: Support continued exchange of scientific ideas and collaboration between faculty and graduate students through Student Research Week and Annual Research Days
• Objective 2.1.5: Organize workshops with GSBS Alumni that focus on employment in industry (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical “Homecoming seminar”, Biomedical, etc.

Strategy 2.2 - Conduct systematic assessment of student learning outcomes in all academic degree programs and demonstrate the use of results for program improvements

• Objective 2.2.1: Document programmatic student learning outcomes and related assessment plans in Weave on an annual basis
• Objective 2.2.2: Revise course syllabi with course objectives that are linked to student learning outcomes
• Objective 2.2.3: Evaluate, revise and implement standard rubrics for summative assessment of student learning (e.g., thesis, qualifying exams, dissertation)
• Objective 2.2.4: Establish a systematic process for documenting student presentations and publications across academic programs

Strategy 2.3 - Improve student access to resources for enhancing their academic performance

• Objective 2.3.1 Revamp the student-based tutoring program
• Objective 2.3.2 Assess quality of resources through graduation/exit surveys
• Objective 2.3.3 Evaluate Core Curriculum Coordination (CCC) Committee oversight of:
  • Curriculum development
  • Training of faculty for online/TechLink courses
  • Assessing strategies for monitoring student progress

Strategy 2.4 - Conduct ongoing systematic program reviews to determine that all programs have the appropriate faculty, students and resources to effectively meet their educational objectives

• Objective 2.4.1: Disseminate program review policy to all programs
• Objective 2.4.2: Conduct program reviews so that all programs are reviewed on a  systematic cycle approved by THECB
• Objective 2.4.3: Use assessment results to revise and improve program action plan
• Objective 2.4.4: Ensure that Ph.D. programs are organizationally aligned

Strategy 2.5 - Conduct ongoing assessment of graduates’ employment opportunities and success in the workplace

• Objective 2.5.1: Improve alumni relations through homecoming seminars, social media, national meeting receptions, etc. 
• Objective 2.5.2: Distribute exit survey/questionnaire to all graduates
• Objective 2.5.3: Track and disseminate employment of GSBS graduates to strengthen alumni network

To develop and enhance academic programs that reflect targeted educational needs.

Strategy 3.1 - Promote educational opportunities within existing master's programs

• Objective 3.1.1: Maintain excellence in the Masters in Graduate Medical Education Sciences program
• Objective 3.1.2: Expand the existing Pharmaceutical Sciences MS program to Abilene
• Objective 3.1.3: Grow the Biotechnology MS program by increasing recruitment activities
• Objective 3.1.4: Implement and evaluate the accelerated, one-year track in Biotechnology
• Objective 3.1.5: Explore opportunities to create new concentrations

To foster the advancement of knowledge through research and scholarship.

Strategy 4.1 - Increase research funding and success

• Objective 4.1.1: Assist in the recruitment of additional faculty with active research programs
• Objective 4.1.2: Maintain faculty expertise aligned with specific program needs
• Objective 4.1.3: Maintain research opportunity page on Website
• Objective 4.1.4: Increase collaborative efforts with all HSC faculty
• Objective 4.1.5: Offer workshops to mentor students
• Objective 4.1.6: Create opportunities to integrate Post-docs into GSBS activities and continue to strengthen rapport with Office of Research

Strategy 4.2 - Collaborate with other stakeholders at the TTUHSC to develop GSBS scholarship funds

• Objective 4.2.1: Continue fundraising efforts for GSBS scholarships
• Objective 4.2.2: Expand fundraising events during Student Research Week

Initiatives to promote student development and wellness.

Strategy 5.1 - Promote student career and professional development through training workshops   

• Objective 5.1.1: Workshops that promote submission of Predoctoral Fellowships
• Objective 5.1.2: Workshops that help students develop more effective LinkedIn profiles, curriculum vitae, and resumes 
• Objective 5.1.3: Workshops that promote developing teaching portfolios and provide opportunities for teaching experiences
• Objective 5.1.4: In partnership with TTUHSC Office of Research maintain the Office of Graduate Student Development and Postdoctoral Affairs 

Strategy 5.2 - Promote student wellness through informational sessions and events

• Objective 5.2.1: Mandatory sessions on mental health awareness, crisis assistance and suicide prevention 
• Objective 5.2.2: Annual Graduate Student Appreciation Luncheon
• Objective 5.2.3: Regular social gatherings that focus on wellness
• Objective 5.2.4: Collaborate with TTUHSC Well Beyond to provide resources and seminars to improve student wellness according to the eight dimensions of wellness