Department of Kinesiology Strategic Plan (2023 – 2030)
Priority Area 1: Academic Excellence and Innovation
1.1 Attract, retain, and graduate more aspiring students in kinesiology.
1.2 Recruit, retain, and develop exceptional faculty and staff, and nurture a dynamic environment in which they thrive
1.3 Enhance digital resources and cutting-edge technology to increase program flexibility, enhance learner personalization, and improve student support
1.4 Develop new, revise and enhance the undergraduate curriculum to ensure they reflect current industry standards and needs in exercise science and sport management.
1.5 Expand course offerings that promote interdisciplinary learning between exercise science and sport management.
1.6 Strengthen hands-on learning experiences through simulations, internships, and collaborations with professional sports organizations and healthcare sectors.
Priority Area 2: Access, Affordability, and Achievement
2.1 Increase enrollment through transfer pathways, pipeline programs, and articulation agreements
2.2 Increase and enhance virtual learning and virtual instruction to facilitate degree completion for new and current students.
2.3 Embed student-centered strategies to improve learner outcomes and enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.
2.4 Provide support for continuous improvement of student support serviced to increase retention and graduation rates.
2.5 Provide financial assistance to incoming and existing students to make the cost of education affordable and equitable.
Priority 3: Workforce and Economic Development
3.1 Diversify and strengthen Maryland’s workforce by expanding the pipeline of underrepresented minority students entering exercise science and sport management.
3.2 Expand the number of graduates in fields critical to Maryland’s economy in healthcare and business.
3.3 Strengthen the department’s job placement services, ensuring students have access to job listings, interview preparation, and networking events.
3.4 Increase internship options for students, emphasizing placements in both public and private sectors.
3.5 Strengthen alumni networks, promoting continued collaboration and support for departmental initiatives.
Priority 4: Research and Community Engagement
4.1 Establish research partnerships with prominent sport organizations, health institutions, and other community stakeholders to enhance research excellence and innovation.
4.2 Increase funding for academic research, targeting both public and private entities within industry, agencies, international, and academic institutions.
4.3 Establish annual community events that highlight the importance of physical activity and sports.
4.4 Enhance service-learning activities in the kinesiology curriculum where students participate in community-based projects to foster a culture of service and engagement.
Priority 5: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
5.1 Actively recruit and retain faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, targeting underrepresented populations in kinesiology.
5.2 Establish a dedicated committee to address DEI concerns, initiatives, and evaluations within the School.
5.3 Enhance global engagement through expanded study abroad programs, international internships and research efforts, and recruit and support for international students.
