The Academic Master Plan aligns closely with the University’s mission, vision, and Strategic Plan, Take Charge of Our Future. This alignment ensures that every decision we make—whether pursuing an initiative or choosing not to—directly supports these institutional priorities.
The YSU Strategic Plan outlines key priorities that shape the future of the institution, including student success, academic innovation, community engagement, and operational sustainability. The AMP serves as the academic engine driving these priorities forward by embedding them into the university’s curriculum, faculty development, research initiatives, policies, and student support strategies.
For example:
Because these areas are so interconnected, every action step within the AMP should prompt us to ask:
The AMP is a living guide that will evolve as we measure progress, respond to new challenges, and seize emerging opportunities. While it complements the Strategic Plan, it also informs and supports other critical university initiatives, such as:
Together, these plans create a cohesive and future-focused vision for Youngstown State University—one that empowers students, supports faculty, and strengthens our role as a leader in higher education.
“If you don’t have a plan, the budget becomes the plan”
- Mark Milliron
Leader in higher education, technology, and student success initiatives.
We have all heard the maxim that “If you don’t have a plan, the budget becomes the plan,” but it’s a true statement and a situation we want to avoid. The reality of this AMP is that it will highlight the fact that we may not all agree about every decision. However, once we are all assembled in the same boat rowing in the same direction, we will be moving in one direction. Rowing in the same direction requires transparency with how and why decisions will be made regarding pre-tenure, tenure, post-tenure, promotion, allocation of resources, and reassigned time. We need clear guidelines for which faculty and staff position lines will be prioritized. We also need to communicate how the budget is allocated, including when a program is no longer relevant and when programs need to be created to prepare our students for the future.
We ask that you engage with this document. Be an active participant in shaping the future of YSU. No matter your rank, title, or years of service, you have a role to play. Engage with your program, department, college, and the broader YSU community. Step beyond your immediate responsibilities and seek opportunities to collaborate across the university and within the region.
By working together, we ensure YSU continues to thrive—not just as a strong academic institution but as the transformative university of northeast Ohio.
This plan outlines expectations and goals, but its success depends on collective action. Every member of the YSU community contributes to bringing the AMP to life. Whether through teaching, research, service, advising, administrative support, or maintaining the physical beauty of our campus, work with your peers—not only in your department but across the university—to see how you can be part of the solution.
By working together, we ensure YSU continues to thrive—not just as a strong academic institution but as the transformative university of northeast Ohio.