Purpose-Driven Goals Workstreams

Build a diverse, purpose-driven undergraduate student body by removing access barriers for underserved students and by aligning enrollment strategies with Gies values and goals.

Increase student interest in Gies undergraduate education by expanding outreach, strengthening the pipeline for prospective students, and leveraging in-state partnerships to reduce awareness gaps, especially for underserved students.

Optimize the scholarship portfolio and framework to reduce the affordability gap; prioritize need, support strategic yield goals, and enhance collaboration with the campus office of financial aid to effectively award scholarships.

Define clear, flexible standards for faculty participation in expanding the online undergraduate space; support scalable, high-quality course design that balances consistency with pedagogical freedom and also aligns with learner success data.

Develop a flexible, data-informed portfolio of innovative pedagogical tactics, tools, and support strategies to help faculty and Teaching and Learning staff design high-quality, scalable online courses that meet Common Course Structure and Quality Standards while also addressing the diverse needs of today’s learners.

Design innovative, scalable models for course delivery support that leverage emerging technologies and data-driven strategies to meet diverse learner needs, ensure faculty support, and enable student success in a flexible, low-touch online environment.

Manage administrative processes that impact online undergraduate courses by optimizing scheduling, increasing course capacity, aligning availability across disciplines, establishing consistent instructional team commitments, and proposing a sustainable compensation structure.

Design programmatic experiences and a holistic support framework to foster belonging, connect learners to Gies Business, and proactively address academic and community needs through orientation, communication platforms, and integrated university resources and technologies.

Expand access to undergraduate education through the Business Minor; address critical operational improvements that enhance scalability, streamline processes, and ensure a high-quality, transformative learner experience for a diverse population across the university.

Develop non-transcripted course pathways and stackable microcredential certificates by repackaging existing Gies Business courses into career-aligned clusters that enhance curricular cohesion, support learner direction, and inform course redevelopment to address gaps.

Support Gies’ collaboration with LAS on the BLS degree completion program by ensuring course availability, maintaining instructional quality, and aligning with agreed standards to serve non-traditional and returning learners through interdisciplinary offerings.

Develop curricula-based solutions that offer flexible, dual-modality credentials and create pathways for recognizing prior learning to serve learners seeking customizable and career-aligned graduate education.

Enhance career success and placement outcomes by assessing learner needs and designing cost-effective professional development frameworks, with special emphasis on networking and advancement opportunities for online working professionals.

Elevate Gies’ in-person and online learning communities and experiences, building on existing offerings such as live client projects, capstones, and global immersions; revise policies that constrain the learner journey and implement tools like InScribe to support networking and engagement for students and alumni.

Develop and deliver innovative ideas that expand the local and global reputation and reach of Gies Business graduate programs; evaluate outreach strategies, strengthen partnerships with business associations, and create near-term plans to broaden the global impact of on-campus programs.

Design, secure approval for, and promote an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship minor developed in collaboration with The Grainger College of Engineering and other campus units that will be open to all U of I undergraduates.

Support the inaugural year of Gies Business’ cosponsorship of the Cozad New Venture Challenge by promoting student participation to Gies residential and online learners and by providing event support through mentorship, judging, prizes, and operations, in alignment with Gies’ broader goal to expand access to entrepreneurship programming.

Relaunch the Origin Ventures Office under a new name to elevate its visibility as the home of entrepreneurship at Gies Business, supported by updated branding, an engagement strategy to promote key resources and programs, and the integration of faculty research.

Elevate the visibility of faculty teaching excellence by recognizing and showcasing exemplary practices, fostering peer learning, encouraging the adoption of effective teaching strategies, and developing resources such as a curated model library and an interactive teaching dashboard.

Enhance teaching quality and the learner experience by piloting an informal peer feedback process that promotes self-reflection, community building, and holistic teaching evaluation; establish a framework aligned with campus standards and collaborate with academic departments for implementation.

Conduct comprehensive market and internal analyses to guide strategic investment in doctoral, predoctoral, and postdoctoral programs; provide insights into their impact on the College’s reputation and alignment with strategic priorities.

Strengthen faculty teaching and research by developing a forward-looking strategy with a key focus on training and resources for the effective use of generative AI in education, research, and productivity.

Supports AACSB accreditation renewal and manage annual reporting processes by streamlining data collection, improving operational efficiency, and aligning accreditation requirements with other institutional reporting needs.

Design and implement a streamlined platform that transforms alumni interest into immediate action by offering clear calls to action and serving as a central hub for diverse engagement opportunities.

Develop a platform that delivers and optimizes lifelong learning opportunities for alumni and keeps learners engaged within the University of Illinois ecosystem.

Conduct research to deeply understand alumni needs and segment the population by preferences, communication channels, and engagement activities to inform targeted engagement strategies.

Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to increase alumni awareness and engagement by identifying their needs, mapping the student-to alumni journey, and collaborating with stakeholders to tailor outreach across the lifecycle.

Create a comprehensive learner journey map that clarifies the core message of the Gies Business experience by showcasing the confidence-building support, real-world skill development, and lifelong community and professional network available to students.

Strengthen the learner experience by integrating academics with professional development and enhancing programming.

Develop inclusive onboarding processes that empower all new hires including faculty, staff, and student employees to navigate their roles effectively and support a seamless learner experience.

Enhance learner engagement by identifying and implementing a strategic technology platform to streamline and strengthen communication.