“Students are the focus of all of our efforts at UOG and our graduates are our crown jewels and points of pride,” Krise said.

The five-year strategic plan’s name was inspired by the phrase “ever upward” in CHamoru, and is the translation of UOG’s official Latin motto on its seal: Excelsior.

Setting aspirations

“In 2019, we collectively developed six strategic initiatives to capture both the spirit of UOG and our aspirations for the future for what our university can become, Krise said.

He said the first two are marquee initiatives and signal what UOG is capable of becoming.

Getting external validation

Through the marquee initiatives, UOG can receive external validation. And it’s been achieved, in part, through the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which classifies universities. UOG has been classified as a Master’s Medium University.

Para Hulo’ commits the university to seek an elevated classification to Doctoral Professional University, which is the first level for a research university.

Carnegie classification

The university is also seeking external validation via its quest for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which UOG can apply to be certified as being among the most engaged partnership institutions in the whole country.

“Thanks to 70 years of deep involvement with our neighbors and partners across the island and the region, and thanks to our 50 years of Land Grant status and now with our new Sea Grant status, we’re already well-qualified for this classification,” Krise said.

Infrastructure projects that would enhance what UOG can offer to help prepare the island for a workforce that’s ready for the future were also discussed at the town hall.

UOG is poised to launch the construction of the School of Engineering, Student Services Center, a two-story nursing annex that will add classrooms and lab space to the School of Health, and a new facility for the Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific.

Several other university administrators provided updates at the town hall, held at the UOG Calvo Field House and attended by nearly 200 students, faculty and staff.

Throughout the event, faculty, staff, administrators, and students were able to learn more about the strategic initiatives and university programs through tabletop displays and open discussions.