Tactical Plan

Overall student indebtedness at Southwestern continues to decrease across each academic year. During the 2019-2020 academic year, the final class before the implementation of the Tactical Plan, average student debt was $31,832. Last year, 2023-2024 graduates incurred an average of $30,548 in student debt, a figure well below the national average of $37,850. To help narrow the gap between demonstrated financial need and available financial aid, student success scholarships were implemented in Fall 2023. Additionally, philanthropic contributions and pledges for current-use and endowed scholarships exceeded $3.4 million during the 2024–2025 fiscal year to date.

Southwestern students have access to two high-impact experiences. Since 2021, philanthropic contributions and pledges for current-use and endowed high-impact experiences exceeded $6 million. In Summer 2024, Southwestern hired its first Director of Public Engagement via the $1,287,000 Mellon Grant, to turn the work of the University outwards and build sustainable, mutually-beneficial partnerships, including via community-engaged learning. In Fall 2024, Southwestern merged two programs – SCOPE and FSP – into a single one, SURF (Southwestern Undergraduate Research with Faculty), to provide more student access to faculty-student research opportunities. By continuing to expand these opportunities and refine processes, Southwestern has provided the opportunity for students to participate in two high-impact experiences, setting them up for success in their future endeavors.

Tactical Plan in Action: Turning Internships into Opportunities at Dell Technologies, Biology Major Spends Summer “Leading Medicine” at Houston Methodist Hospital, SURF Program Ushers in New Wave of Student-Faculty Research at Southwestern University

Southwestern created a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), “Fostering Student Success through Proactive Advising.” The QEP has three components: the addition of dedicated first-year professional advisors, professional development for faculty and staff advisors, and implementation of a new integrated case management software.

The development of a new academic advising program began in Summer 2021, when six professional first-year academic advisors were hired. Students transition to faculty/staff advisors following their first year. In addition, Nuro Retention was purchased and implemented as a new student relationship management system during the 2022-2023 academic year. In Spring 2025, EAB’s Navigate 360 was implemented to replace Nuro Retention.

Tactical Plan in Action: Fostering Student Success through Proactive Advising

See Tactic 1.3.

The Learner-Centered Teaching Certificate Program is a year-long faculty development initiative offered through the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (CTLS). A dedicated faculty fellow has been appointed and given a course release to lead the program. Selected faculty participants will receive training and implement learner-centered teaching practices while serving as campus leaders in pedagogy.

Participants will be chosen in Spring 2025, with programming running throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. The program’s initial funding was secured in Summer 2022 through pledged philanthropic contributions. Future funding to advance teaching, learning, and scholarship among the faculty will be provided through endowment withdrawals and new current-use contributions.

The Southwestern Racial History Project, researched by Assistant Professor of Anthropology Naomi Reed and students Kali Esquivel ’26 and Rose Reed ’25, was funded to explore the lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs of some of Southwestern’s first student-athletes of color. Additionally, a $40,000 “Reframing the Institutional Saga” grant from NetVUE was received in 2022 that allowed for the creation of the Placing Memory project, an interactive place-based digital map investigating Southwestern’s history from a non-institutionalized, student-centered lens.

Tactical Plan in Action: Discovering Southwestern’s Untold History; Bringing Light to Forgotten Narratives Through the Placing Memory Project

In 2022, the Campus Master Plan was updated. Funds were budgeted to add or renovate several student life amenities over the last several academic years, including Bishops Lounge furniture, a new outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball pit, and two pickleball courts. Bond money was secured to fund other capital projects including:

• New welcome center and two new residence halls
• Central utility plant upgrades and new plant, as well as chilled water loop maintenance
• Mood-Bridwell renovation
• Cullen HVAC renovation
• New team room and women’s locker room upgrades
• Robertson (to ensure compliance with Title IX)
• Mabee Hall renovation
• Smith Library Center releveling
• Mundy Hall swing space
• Warehouse

Additionally, bond money will be used on a new parking lot as part of our agreement with a restaurant partner. The restaurant, The Perch, is scheduled to be completed by 2026 at the location of the former Pirate’s Tavern/Outreach Center.

Tactical Plan in Action: Recently Completed Projects

The final philanthropic contribution to Mosaic was received during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Planning began in Winter 2024 to rename and reformat the program as a “First Year Experience” (FYE). The FYE involves Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Enrollment Management with programs and services that enhance engagement and retention with implementation in 2025-2026.

A consultant was hired to give direction to an IT Master Plan in Fall 2021. Their work included a current state analysis of infrastructure and software, as well as a review of software purchases and system redundancy. In accordance with the IT Master Plan, audiovisual upgrades were completed in six classrooms during the 2023-2024 academic year, with three more classrooms receiving upgrades in Fall 2024. Redundant network paths were implemented, software engineering capabilities were moved to cloud platforms, and administrative applications were expanded to enhance business continuity capabilities. Additionally, software procurement has been centralized to provide more visibility and strengthen departmental understanding of software availability.

A Staff Training and Professional Development Fund was established in Spring 2021 with an initial budget of $5,000. The budget has increased by $1,000 each year and is currently $8,000 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

To support the implementation of the new three-year residency requirement, construction began in Spring 2024 on two new residence halls—one for first-year students and one for second-year students. Together, these facilities will add 297 beds and are scheduled for completion by Spring 2026.

Tactical Plan in Action: Welcome Center, First-Year & Second-Year Residence Halls

A major renovation project for Mood-Bridwell Hall is underway. When complete, the renovated facility will include five classrooms, 54 offices, a coffee shop (providing additional revenue), and many other amenities. Renovations to Mood-Bridwell Hall are scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025.

Tactical Plan in Action: Mood-Bridwell Renovation

Donations of $284,201 have been added to the Southwestern University Emergency Fund since its inception in 2020. The fund provides scholarships to students in response to applications for support when emergencies arise.

A wage regression study was commissioned to determine wage adjustments to retain staff. As a result, the minimum wage for the lowest-paid staff increased from $11.00 to $15.00 per hour in Summer 2024. Salary compression for hourly workers has also been addressed.

Southwestern is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace by embedding Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity (DIBE) principles within Human Resources policies and processes.

To enhance education and compliance efforts, Southwestern hired a Title IX Coordinator in Spring 2022 to provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. Additionally, Human Resources has implemented policies and programs designed to support equitable hiring, retention, and workplace accessibility, including:

• Enhancing faculty search committee training by encouraging best practices for inclusive and equitable hiring decisions.
• Strengthening policies on workplace accommodations to ensure accessibility and support for employees with disabilities.
• Updating and consistently implementing Southwestern’s Nondiscrimination Statement in institutional materials to reinforce our commitment to fair and equitable treatment for all members of our community.

These efforts reflect Southwestern’s dedication to fostering an environment where all employees have the resources and support needed to thrive, while ensuring compliance with federal and institutional nondiscrimination standards.

A Coordinator of Student Inclusion and Diversity was hired in Winter 2023, responsible for overseeing the implementation of DIBE efforts to student life structures and processes. In Spring 2024, Southwestern hired the University’s first-ever Vice President for Student Success and Belonging, who is responsible for providing leadership to advance the University’s goals and their connection to student success and retention. This position also develops policies, procedures, and programs to create an equitable experience for all members of the campus community. In Fall 2024, Southwestern University was awarded a $496,267 grant from the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women for the Safer Campus Initiative. This grant will go toward assessing student needs related to domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVDVSAS), and highlight the importance of engaging Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ, and immigrant students, using strategies congruent with unique cultural needs. Also in Fall 2024, Southwestern was awarded a five-year, $250,000 grant from H-E-B to support the EQUIP (Embracing Quantitative Understanding and the Inquiry Process) and DRAFT (Daily Revision Advances Further Thinking) Programs. EQUIP is a program designed to support first-year students interested in pursuing degrees in mathematics or other STEM fields by fostering a collaborative learning environment and providing mentorship opportunities. DRAFT utilizes writing as a tool for self-expression and community-building, creating an inclusive space where students can develop their voice and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Tactical Plan in Action: David A. Ortiz Named Vice President for Student Success and Belonging, Southwestern University Wins $500,000 Safer Campus Initiative Grant from the United States Department of Justice

Several new staff members have recently been hired to increase support for student activities and wellness. An Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation was hired in Summer 2022 and a Coordinator for Outdoor Adventure was hired in Summer 2023. Together, they are working to host 10-12 outdoor trips per year with overnight camping and travel outside of the Austin area, as well as high-impact Fall Break and Spring Break trips for Southwestern students. Southwestern also hired a full-time Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life to bolster Greek Life on campus.

Tactical Plan in Action: Southwestern Offers Students Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunities; Explore Canyon Lake Gorge with Southwestern Outdoor Adventure; Outdoor Adventure Program Takes Students to Whirlpool Cave

Academic Affairs has worked to build DIBE efforts into their structure and processes. Criteria were developed for DEI work to be included in merit raises, and tenure and promotion guidelines were revised to include public-facing scholarship, including active engagement in advancing the University’s diversity and inclusion goals. Hiring policies for prioritizing DIBE and retention objectives were established as part of candidates’ qualifications, in addition to expertise and credentials. These policies prioritize inclusive teaching and research abilities to align with our goal of hiring educators who can serve a diverse student body. Additionally, materials and resources were developed for faculty to lead discussions regarding DEI issues.

Southwestern partnered with premier grants consulting firm McAllister & Quinn to strengthen our grant-seeking efforts. In Summer 2024, the firm led an intensive grant writing workshop for four faculty members, equipping them with tools and strategies they are now using to develop proposals. Already, McAllister & Quinn has helped us secure a $496,267 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and is currently supporting our Title V application process.

The Office of Marketing and Communications continuously monitors a variety of ranking guides for improvements. In their most recent rankings in Fall 2024, U.S. News & World Report  ranked Southwestern as #83 on their annual list of “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges,” an extraordinary 19-spot improvement from just four years ago. Forbes  recently ranked Southwestern as the #2 liberal arts college in Texas and the #284 institution in the country, the University’s highest ranking since 2018. Additionally, The Princeton Review named Southwestern as one of their “Best Colleges for 2025” and ranked SU #2 in the nation for “Best Career Services.” A Director of Communications and Public Relations was hired in Spring 2024 to focus on gaining regional and national media attention for Southwestern. This position communicates the many attributes of the University on a continuous and strategic basis, and monitors media placements of Southwestern faculty and staff to increase national recognition.

Tactical Plan in Action: Southwestern University Continues Historic Rise in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges List

A group of stakeholders was convened to clarify, define, and brand Southwestern. The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD), Office of University Relations, and Office of Marketing and Communications work continuously to strengthen Southwestern’s connections to Georgetown and Austin as vibrant cultural and economic locations. CCPD hired a Director of Academic Internships to focus on building relationships with local employers. University Relations created the Pirate Athletic Association, which includes a Corporate Partnership Program to engage with local businesses. Marketing and Communications secures media mentions with local press to highlight Southwestern in the community and is working closely with the City of Georgetown on the upcoming Southwestern University 560 project.

Tactical Plan in Action: Two Centuries of Future-Proofing

Southwestern established an HSI Task Force to develop the necessary programmatic support required to not only achieve HSI designation, but sustain it. The group of student, faculty, and staff stakeholders meet regularly to develop and implement programming that reinforces Southwestern’s identity as an HSI, enhance inclusive campus culture, build institutional capacity, integrate HSI initiatives with the University’s core identity, and establish Southwestern as a leader in liberal arts HSI education. A gift also funded the creation of a new Hispanic Success Coordinator position—a role dedicated to fostering the success of first-generation and underrepresented students. The United States Department of Education declared Southwestern University as a Hispanic-Serving Institution in Summer 2023. Additionally, Southwestern plans to apply for Title V funding during the next federal funding opportunity, which is tentatively slated for Spring 2025. Title V grants assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the attainment of, Hispanic students. These grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability.

Tactical Plan in Action: Southwestern Receives Designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution; Southwestern Earns Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation; Finding a Familiar Face and a Helping Hand at Southwestern

Southwestern is currently reviewing the cost structure for study abroad and study away programs to increase participation and affordability. Efforts are underway to increase the percentage of Southwestern students participating in study abroad and study away programs, particularly first-generation students, students of color, and male students. In the Class of 2024, 23% of students participated in a study abroad or study away program, an increase of 3% from the Class of 2023. Participation by first-generation students and students of color has increased in each of the last two academic years.

An International Student Advisor has been hired to support international students and strengthen our global engagement. This role also enhances collaborations with Universidad de Libertade, ColMex, and other international partners.

Tactical Plan in Action: Southwestern Students Experience Paris Olympics Up Close During Summer Study Abroad Program; From Georgetown to Greece: Recent Graduate Incorporates Art into Unique Study Abroad Experience

Southwestern unveiled the new Professor John Score II Learning Commons in Fall 2024, a centralized home for student tutoring that houses the Debby Ellis Writing Center as well as the newly-created Tutoring Center. An anonymous donation of $300,000 was made to fund the establishment of the Learning Commons. An additional gift of $50,000 was received to support the hourly pay of student tutors, and a Coordinator of the Professor John Score II Learning Commons was hired.

Tactical Plan in Action: Welcome to SU’s new Learning Commons; Southwestern University Unveils Professor John Score II Learning Commons

Southwestern has improved from a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio prior to the implementation of the Tactical Plan to a current 11:1 ratio. As student enrollment and retention increase, new faculty members have been added to maintain growth, including nine new faculty hired for the 2023-2024 academic year and six new faculty and one search pending for the 2025-26 academic year.

Southwestern has implemented a cluster hire option in the faculty allocation process to encourage retention. The cluster hires are defined by intellectual/teaching areas and welcome all candidates with relevant expertise. A thematic hire initiative began in Fall 2021 and has since awarded lines in English, political science, history, and feminist studies to the Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice program in Black and Latinx Studies. The Social Justice tag designation process was revised, with a new task force, rubric, and assessment mechanisms. The percentage of faculty of color has increased each year for the past decade, up from 16% in 2015-2016 to 36.5% in 2024-2025. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 61.64% of faculty are White, while 18.24% are Hispanic, 11.95% are Asian, and 4.40% are Black. The percentage of female faculty has also gradually increased over time, up from 49% in 2015-2016 to 60% in 2024-2025.

Tactical Plan in Action: Meet Our World-Class Faculty: Gabriel Peña; Meet Our World-Class Faculty: Chandrayee Chatterjee; Meet Our World-Class Faculty: Jean Remy Habimana

Work is underway to enhance and expand the opportunities for students to engage in various Paideia experiences. While future funding will dictate the full scope of these expansions and enhancements, $100,000 has previously been awarded in the form of Paideia study abroad scholarships. Additionally, a proposal for a Mellon grant to increase funding for interdisciplinary Paideia minors is currently in development.

Southwestern remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging through thoughtful space planning in both existing buildings and the Campus Master Plan for future facilities. The Office of Diversity and Education and the Cross-Cultural Center have merged to form the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Center, housed in the McCombs Campus Center. Plans are underway to expand the JEDI Center to enhance resources and engagement opportunities for all students.

Additionally, prayer spaces have been added on campus to provide a quiet place for students’ prayer, and Bishops Lounge has been renovated with new furniture to create a more welcoming environment for student relaxation, gathering, and studying. The two new residence halls currently under construction will include dedicated spaces for meetings, gatherings, and wellness activities.

The Counseling Center provides specialized support services to address the diverse needs of students, including identity-based support groups and resources tailored to student well-being.

After soliciting feedback from students, faculty, and staff, Southwestern contracted with Aramark as the new dining services provider in Summer 2022. Since then, Aramark, branded as Pirate Dining, has elevated the quality of food options and renovated its space. A student Dining Committee was also commissioned to meet regularly with Pirate Dining to ensure these efforts remain intentional and responsive.

Pirate Dining has earned national awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services for the quality of meals, friendliness of staff, and renovation to the dining hall.

Tactical Plan in Action: Pirate Dining Rises Above in a Sea Full of Options; Pirate Dining Earns “Renovation of the Year” Award from National Association of College & University Food Services

To explore avenues to develop DIBE professional development programs, Southwestern acquired a three-year membership in the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA). The Staff Steering Committee participated in LACRELA’s “Engaging Equity Live” in Spring 2024 and met on how to apply and implement lessons learned. Staff and faculty were included in programming. Diversity training was provided to faculty search committees, training emphasizes ways to find candidates with diverse experience or expertise who can serve a diverse study body. Our Title IX Coordinator is working with Human Resources to introduce diversity and inclusion education into employee onboarding and annual training.

Southwestern has established hiring policies and procedures throughout the University that prioritize DIBE and retention objectives as part of each candidates’ qualifications, in addition to expertise and credentials. Faculty and staff advertisements have language focused on DIBE and faculty and staff search committees have received diversity and antidiscrimination training. Policies and training focus on finding candidates with diverse experiences and expertise to serve a diverse student population, broadening candidate recruitment, and ensuring fair evaluation of candidates.