Priorities

Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation / Priorities

The Institutional Priorities are four areas that SMCM will focus on in our self-study. They represent four issues that are critical to SMCM’s identity and ethos, and provide consistent themes that will recur throughout our discussion of the Middle States standards (expectations) in the self-study report. The priorities were drafted by the Middle States Steering Committee and finalized in consultation with the entire campus community during Spring 2023.

Academic and Professional Excellence

logo for priority Foster academic and professional excellence for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Continue to offer an academically rigorous liberal arts experience befitting the National Public Honors College, including the LEAD curriculum, majors and minors, experiential learning, and the Honors College Promise.
  • Support students in making connections between their academic and professional experiences.
  • Create and promote opportunities for faculty and staff to advance their own scholarship, professional expertise, and skill sets.
Provide Feedback on Priority 1

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

logo for priority Promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Improve the institutional structures, policies, and processes that create an equitable experience for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Ensure all students have access to, know the purpose of, and can benefit from academic, co-curricular and professional experiences. 
  • Promote values and practices that ensure our community reflects the diverse population of Maryland.
Provide Feedback on Priority 2

Strong Communities

logo for priority Strengthen campus communities.
  • Support the diversity of the St. Mary’s community by promoting practices that increase a sense of belonging and foster ethical and responsible citizenship in accordance with the St. Mary’s Way.
  • Reinvigorate our campus community as we emerge from the pandemic.
  • Create opportunities for engagement and support efforts to improve community wellness.
  • Foster greater understanding of, and opportunities to address, complex issues that shape our experiences on campus and in the world.
  • Promote and engage in shared governance among all campus stakeholders.
  • Strengthen partnerships with local and extended communities.
Provide Feedback on Priority 3

Institutional Adaptability

logo for priority Encourage institutional adaptability that supports our liberal arts mission.
  • Focus on access and affordability. 
  • Utilize strategic planning and collaborative decision making to sustain SMCM’s academic profile and institutional financial health while remaining true to our liberal arts values and mission.
  • Cultivate a campus culture and processes that are responsive to opportunities to strengthen our institution and its ability to fulfill its mission.
Provide Feedback on Priority 4

Contact Us

Dr. Katy Arnett
Middle States Self-Study Co-Chair
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Professor of Educational Studies
kearnett@smcm.edu
240-895-4451
 
 
Dr. Anne Marie Brady
Middle States Self-Study Co-Chair
Assistant Vice President of Institutional Research and Planning
ambrady@smcm.edu
240-895-2103