The Division of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting inclusive educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. The departmental program review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Life to critically evaluate their work and their effect on the UI student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. As a unit of the Division of Student Life, Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) engaged in a program review process in spring 2023. MISSE completed a comprehensive self-study and hosted two external reviewers and one internal reviewer for a multi-day virtual visit. The external reviewers were Rickey Hall, Gioconda Guerra Perez, and Adele S. Vanarsdale. This action plan is intended to be a living document based on the current campus environment. Action items and outcomes may change.

Recommendation: structure and funding model

A structure and funding model for MISSE that includes permanent financial resources from the central campus and a plan to add layers of administrative and middle management support to MISSE to systematically achieve operational and administrative maturity.

Critical Tasks

  • Update staffing structure.
  • Clarify MISSE focus areas.
  • Obtain part-time administrative support.
  • The MISSE professional staff team identify funding priorities on programs, operations, and personnel in alignment with UI and Division of Student Life strategic plan. 

Success measures and updates

  • Hired a qualified MISSE director. (completed spring 2023)
  • Complete market analysis as part of the program review process. (completed spring 2023)
  • Obtain part-time administrative support. (completed fall 2023)
  • Updated funding model. (completed spring 2024)
  • Hire a MISSE assistant director (completed fall 2024)
  • Hire a MISSE coordinator (completed spring 2025)
  • Outlined MISSE focus areas (Programming; Civic Engagement & Advocacy; Scholarships & Excellence; Training, Assessment & Professional Development) (completed spring 2025)
  • Cultural Centers transitioned to Campus Life Organizations (completed spring 2025)

Recommendation: educate campus

Develop a comprehensive plan aimed to inform and educate the campus about MISSE.

Critical Tasks

  • Update MISSE mission and vision.
  • Develop an elevator pitch and a case study for MISSE and vetted by campus partners.
  • Identify key opportunities on campus for sharing MISSE’s mission, vision, elevator pitch (outside of MISSE events).
  • Work with Assessment, Improvement, & Research (AIR) to develop a comprehensive assessment plan for MISSE.

Success measures and updates

  • Developed a new mission and vision statement. (completed fall 2022)
  • Trained staff in assessment. (completed fall 2023)
  • Document and train staff on the history of MISSE.
  • Develop an elevator pitch for MISSE. (in progress spring 2024)
  • Develop a list of stakeholders and outreach to these stakeholders.
  • Create a comprehensive assessment plan.

Recommendation 3: community building and outreach

Foster community building and engage in outreach.

Critical Tasks

  • Identify current community building strategies.
  • Map opportunities for building communities and opportunities for community building to foster sense of belonging.
  • Marketing strategies to support community building efforts.
  • Identify community building goals.
  • Review current list of campus and identify gaps for partnership.
  • Identify key stakeholders (both camps partners as collaborators and individuals as participants).
  • Maintain relationships with current stakeholders and constituents.
  • Maintain current community building efforts.

Success measures and updates

  • Developed strategies for community building.
  • Developed marketing strategies and materials for community building.