Department Strategic Plan
The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at UTEP is committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and continuous improvement. This 2025–2030 strategic plan outlines seven core goals and corresponding objectives designed to enhance educational quality, expand research, promote cultural competence, support students, and ensure accreditation compliance.
- Enhance Educational Quality and Curriculum
We aim to maintain a responsive and evidence-based curriculum. Regular biennial reviews, continuous faculty development through shared learning, and annual learning outcome assessments ensure that our academic offerings remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with best practices.
- Foster Research and Scholarship
Recognizing the value of scholarship, we strive to cultivate a strong research culture. Our goal is to have at least 75% of students actively engaged in research through thesis work, lab involvement, or special projects. Faculty are also encouraged to pursue external funding and collaborate on health disparities research with community partners.
- Promote Community Engagement and Cultural Competence
In alignment with our mission to serve a border and multicultural community, the department will develop training modules to enhance cultural competence among students and faculty. Community program feedback will be systematically collected and analyzed to ensure our outreach efforts are effective and responsive.
- Expand Student Support and Career Development
We are committed to preparing students for professional success through structured mentorship between undergraduates, graduates, and alumni. Career development offerings, including job readiness workshops, will be expanded and evaluated for impact.
- Strengthen Program Visibility and Recruitment
To ensure the sustainability and reach of the program, we will expand marketing and outreach efforts, particularly targeting underrepresented populations. Recruitment events like open houses and increased community presence will support our goal of increasing enrollment by 33% over five years.
- Ensure Accreditation Readiness and Compliance
To maintain high standards, we will collect and respond to feedback from stakeholders annually, monitor distance education effectiveness, and ensure compliance with faculty workload ratios and accreditation requirements.
- Expand Community Learning Opportunities
The department will actively contribute to lifelong learning in the region by offering at least two continuing education (CEU) events per year for practicing clinicians and community partners.