The thematic component of the self-study report describes our evidence and analysis related to our self-selected theme of “Inclusive Student Success,” which we define as follows:
Inclusive student success occurs when the university effectively supports and empowers students diverse in life experiences, academic talents and preparation, educational needs, and learning goals to:
- achieve significant curricular and co-curricular learning outcomes;
- experience a sense of belonging and an engaged learning environment;
- have equitable access to high impact learning practices and other enriched learning opportunities; and
- be prepared to pursue lives of meaning, purpose, impact and lifelong learning post graduation.
The theme of inclusive student success was developed based on brainstorming sessions with university leadership groups, including the Executive Leadership Team (President’s Cabinet), the Deans Council, the Provost’s Office Senior Staff, and the Faculty Senate. These groups examined potential themes with respect to how well they aligned with the university’s mission and strategic plan priorities and the WSCUC Core Commitments and Standards, as well as how well positioned the university was to collect and analyze meaningful evidence relevant to each proposed theme.
The thematic component of the self-study takes the form of an investigation of the question, “In what ways does the LMU student curricular and co-curricular experience reflect the institution’s commitment to the goal of inclusive student success?” This thematic component of the self-study documents evidence and reaches conclusions about our efforts to support and promote inclusive student success in three focal areas: “Graduation and Engagement,” “Curriculum and Pedagogy,” and “Co-Curriculum.”