Progress on strategic initiatives 2007-2010
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UMass Lowell has undergone a stunning transformation over the past three years. New facilities, construction underway, “smart” classrooms and enhanced student life have invigorated the University.
But higher education is about more than buildings and activities. Is UMass Lowell successfully attracting and retaining students, including those from diverse backgrounds? Is it teaching them well? Is it fulfilling its research mission? Is it financially sustainable?
In a word, yes, as these slides show. They track, over the past three years, the universally accepted measures of success for institutions of higher education.
There is always more to be done, and UMass Lowell 2020, the strategic planning document crafted by over 200 faculty, staff and students sets out ambitious goals.
It will be important to continue to track these measures to ensure that UMass Lowell achieves higher levels of excellence and reputation.
- Freshman Retention Rate
- Six-year graduation rate
- Research expenditures
- Financial stability
- Endowment growth
- Enrollment growth
- Enrollment diversity
Over the past three years, the percentage of students who return for a second year at UMass Lowell rose from 75 to 81 percent. Programs to support students both academically and with personal development are making a difference.
The percentage of students who earn a bachelor’s degree within six years has risen from 44 to 53 percent. This improvement reflects a wide array of academic and student life enhancements.
The 57 percent increase in research expenditures is a reflection of the talent of the faculty and researchers on campus and enhanced efforts to forge partnerships with funding agencies and companies.
Despite the downturn in the economy and the costs associated with improvements on campus, close scrutiny and attention to financial stability has paid off.
Private support of the campus has become more important as the percentage of the campus budget funded by public dollars continues to decline precipitously. A renewed attention to fundraising is bringing results, including in the growth of individual endowment accounts.
An increase in enrollment across all levels – with the simultaneous increase in the quality of those accepted -- helps the University reach its mission. It also shows that the reputation of the campus is growing.
Increasing diversity on campus is a key strategic priority. New efforts in recruitment and retention are yielding results.