Strategic Plan (2026-2030)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is the preparation of students as exemplary, client and family centered professionals and leaders in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.
The Department is committed to:
- Providing the highest quality academic, research and clinical training.
- Instilling in students a desire to make significant contributions to the profession, to the people whom we serve and to our community.
- Supporting the UNCG School of Health and Human Sciences’ (HHS) vision of “preparing professionals to protect health, promote wellness, and improve lives”.
The CSD strategic plan for 2026-2030 places emphasis on addressing six broad themes outlined in the HHS strategic plan:
- Student, staff, and faculty well-being
- Inclusive Excellence
- Student, staff, and faculty well-being
- Inclusive Excellence
- Student Success
- Staff and Faculty Success and Excellence
- Showcase Distinctiveness
| HHS Strategic Plan Theme | CSD Action Goal | Metric/Measure | Evaluation Frequency | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student, staff, and faculty well being | ||||
| Dedicate time and resources to promote health and wellness in CSD physical and digital spaces | Number of online or in-person events and/or engagement opportunities focused on health and wellness | Biannual | CSD Faculty, Staff, and Student Groups | |
| Create additional opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with one another | Number of networking and social events that includes undergrad and grad students, faculty, staff; attendance logs | Biannual | CSD Faculty, Staff and Student Groups | |
| Inclusive Excellence | ||||
| Collaborate across campus departments and with community organizations to raise awareness and knowledge about the communication needs of populations served by our profession | Number of community partnerships; collaborative projects; and educational/awareness activities involving CSD faculty, staff; and students | Biannual | CSD Faculty, Staff, and Students Groups | |
| Review, maintain and develop academic and clinical policy and procedures that are inclusive and supportive for students, clients, and families from various backgrounds | Student feedback Speech and Hearing Center (SHC) client/family feedback | Annual | CSD Program Directors SHC Clinic Directors | |
| Student Success | ||||
| Increase faculty and staff use of university resources and supports to identify students at risk | Faculty advising reports and feedback on use of university tools, platforms, and resources used for advising. | Biannual | CSD Faculty Advisors | |
| Support goal setting, professional identity development, and career readiness of CSD students | Number of Undergraduate educational events focused SLP and Audiology career guidance Graduate Student and preceptor feedback and self-assessment | Annual | CSD Faculty, Students, and Community Partners | |
| Improve data collection and analysis process for identifying departmental strengths and weaknesses in supporting student success at the undergraduate and graduate levels | Summary report to integrate student exit data and key performance indicators (graduation rates and completion efficiency) w/CSD faculty for monitoring and addressing student success | Annual | CSD Program Assistant, Program Directors, and Department chair | |
| Staff and Faculty Success and Excellence | ||||
| Support faculty and staff professional development and continuing education in areas that support department academic and clinical training mission of department outlined in program learning objectives | Number of Professional development hours/CEUs/events attended by faculty and staff | Annual | CSD Department Chair, and Faculty | |
| Facilitate and support research and innovation that shapes the evidence base in the field of communication sciences and disorders, and that has a positive impact on the health and educational outcomes of individuals and communities across the lifespan | Number of Peer reviewed publications, grant submissions, presentations, collaborative projects, and community engaged research. | Annual | University Office of Research; HHS Office of Research; CSD Dept. Chair, and CSD Faculty | |
| Showcase Distinctiveness | ||||
| Engage in promotional activities that highlight UNCG SHC service delivery to campus and regional community; community partnerships; and SHC client satisfaction | Participation Log of community- events; event feedback forms Social media metrics for posts about SHC Community/Stakeholder feedback and testimonials | Annual | CSD Faculty and Staff | |
| Improve process for highlighting faculty, staff, student, and alumni achievements | Increase in the number and type of communication strategies used to collect and share information regarding achievements. | Annual | CSD Faculty, Staff, and Students; HHS Alumni Engagement |