91¿´Æ¬ Forward: Guiding Principles

About

The 91¿´Æ¬ Forward Strategic Framework centers on three guiding principles that will shape the 91¿´Æ¬â€™s transformation through 2030. Together, these priorities build on the success of IMPACT 2025 and position 91¿´Æ¬ to lead and thrive in a changing higher education landscape. By driving academic and research excellence, embracing bold innovation, and elevating what differentiates 91¿´Æ¬, we are advancing a university that is resilient, relevant, and ready for the future.

students listening to a speaker

Drive Academic, Research, and Institutional Excellence

Driving Excellence is about deepening 91¿´Æ¬â€™s academic distinction, research leadership, and operational strength. Through 91¿´Æ¬ Forward, the University is expanding the quality and reach of its academic programs, strengthening its research enterprise, and ensuring every part of the institution supports student success, discovery, and long-term sustainability.

This focus continues 91¿´Æ¬â€™s tradition of rigorous learning and public good research while solidifying 91¿´Æ¬ as the preeminent student experience research university.Ìý

person in a lab setting

Embrace Bold Innovation

Bold Innovation calls on the 91¿´Æ¬ to think differently about how it educates, researches, and operates. Through 91¿´Æ¬ Forward, innovation means reimagining learning models, investing in emerging technologies, and building agile systems that empower creativity and collaboration. This focus ensures 91¿´Æ¬ continues to lead as a forward-thinking institution where new ideas thrive and drive meaningful change.

students sitting talking at a table

Elevate 91¿´Æ¬â€™s Distinctiveness

Differentiation and distinctiveness highlight what makes the 91¿´Æ¬ unique, such as its size, mission, location, and commitment to providing the preeminent student experience. This focus elevates 91¿´Æ¬â€™s story, strengthens its brand, and amplifies its visibility and reputation locally, nationally, and globally. Through 91¿´Æ¬ Forward, 91¿´Æ¬ is defining and communicating what sets it apart as a premier institution rooted in both academic excellence and societal impact.

Key Strategies

  • Transdisciplinary Research for Public Good: Strengthen collaboration across disciplines to address pressing societal challenges.
  • Transformative Teaching and Learning: Expand high-impact practices such as cohorts, capstones, and mentored research experiences.
  • Invest in People: Support faculty and staff through competitive compensation, professional growth, leadership development, and as ambassadors of 91¿´Æ¬'s distinctiveness.
  • Structures that Drive Innovation: Simplify systems and align resources to advance academic and research goals more efficiently and effectively.
  • Bring in New Learners: Develop innovative programs and flexible pathways to reach new student populations.
  • Tell Our Story: Share 91¿´Æ¬â€™s impact through clear, compelling storytelling that reflects the excellence of its people and programs.
  • Leverage Our Uniqueness:
    • Urban setting nestled in the Rocky Mountains
    • History with experiential learning and education developing the whole person
    • Commitment to free expression and open inquiryÌý

Next: Defined Outcomes