Program And Mission Alignment ✓ Solved

PROGRAM AND MISSION ALIGNMENT

Winthrop University aims at offering personalized challenging, graduate, and continuing professional education programs of national caliber. Doing a degree in communication sciences and disorder does not align to the university’s mission since the program is not offered at the university anymore. The program started its closure while I was still in school, which was an indication of its coming to extinction. The program in communication sciences and disorders is also not part of the long-term mission of the university of achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive, co-educational, public, residential comprehensive, and value-oriented institution.

The program has been closed, which is an implication of the failure to meet the required standards to provide competitive skills to its students. Communication sciences and disorders program does not meet the students’ needs of meeting the challenges of the contemporary world by offering them the ability to synthesize knowledge to solve complex challenges. Winthrop University prides itself in offering value-based education, which has shaped the success of the university. Closing the program shows that it does not contribute to the overall mission of the university, which contradicts the provisions of the university, which means that the program does not contribute to the values of the university.

Any program that does not contribute towards the achievement of the university’s mission should be scrapped off so that only those programs that have a bearing on the university mission are considered. However, the university needs to evaluate the contribution of the course towards the overall mission of the university. A speech pathologist is concerned with treating speech disorders among people suffering from such problems. The university, on the other hand, is concerned with training people who can treat speech disorders in society. The university, therefore, is a bridge between the prevailing challenge in society and the possible solutions.

As such, speech pathologist is an important program that the university should reestablish.

Paper For Above Instructions

In assessing the alignment between academic programs and university missions, it becomes essential to analyze the broader implications of educational offerings on institutional identity and societal needs. Winthrop University, although it aims for high-value educational experiences, demonstrates a misalignment in offering programs like communication sciences and disorders, which are no longer part of its academic portfolio.

Understanding Program Closure

The closure of the communication sciences and disorders program signifies several critical factors influencing educational institutions. Primarily, it echoes the necessity for constant evaluation of programs against the institution's mission. Winthrop University's mission emphasizes personalized, challenging, and valuable education. However, ceasing to offer a degree in communication sciences contrasts this mission as it limits opportunities for students interested in making a substantial impact in this critical healthcare field.

Implications of Academic Offerings

Offering programs that enhance students’ skills to address contemporary societal challenges is central to fulfilling any university’s mission. Educational institutions are gateways to fostering capable professionals who can respond to the pressing needs of society. In this sense, the absence of programs that nurture communication skills and speech pathology skills illustrates a gap in the university’s overarching goal to produce competent graduates who can address existing societal shortcomings. Thus, the demand for such programs remains vital.

The Value of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication disorders can severely affect individuals' quality of life and societal productivity. Speech pathologists play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. By closing the program, Winthrop inadvertently distances itself from a vital sector that requires trained professionals. The existing need for speech pathologists already underlines the necessity of reinstituting such a program to promote community health and welfare.

Evaluating University Mission and Program Development

Universities must consistently evaluate their programs against their stated mission. Programs contributing towards achieving the goals set in the university's mission statement should be prioritized. This involves understanding the societal context and the skills required by modern healthcare. Reintroducing the communication sciences and disorders program aligns with Winthrop's mission and enhances its commitment to producing well-rounded graduates prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Winthrop University's mission to deliver exceptional educational programs must encapsulate diverse fields like communication sciences and disorders. The decision to maintain, revive, or eliminate programs should be rooted in thorough analyses reflecting societal demands, academic integrity, and institutional vision. By addressing these aspects, the university can maintain its educational standards and significant contributions to society.

References

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). What is speech-language pathology? Retrieved from asha.org
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2020). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from thefutureofnursing.org
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Challenging times for speech pathologists: The impact of closure of a communication program. (2021). Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Retrieved from pubs.asha.org
• University mission: Importance and impact. (2022). Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. Retrieved from tandfonline.com
• Rehabilitation Services Administration. (n.d.). About communication sciences and disorders. Retrieved from ed.gov
• The role of speech-language pathologists in healthcare. (2023). American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Retrieved from pubs.asha.org
• Thibaut, F., & Derenne, J. P. (2017). Cognitive and communicative aspects of disordered speech perception. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(6), 533-539.
• Urban, J. (2020). Educational pathways and workforce challenges in speech-language pathology. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 5(1), 19-30.
• Winthrop University. (n.d.). Mission statement. Retrieved from winthrop.edu