Strategic Plan for CHBGS 2008-2015

The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools

Preamble

The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools (CHBGS) was founded in 1970 to support and promote graduate education at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUS). This strategic plan was developed by the CHBGS membership over a series of discussions held during its February 20 – 21, 2004 annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Members concluded that as an association, CHBGS offers benefits for member institutions as well for the graduate students served by the membership. Specifically, membership in CHBGS provides opportunities to: explore solutions for problems unique to graduate schools and graduate programs at HBCUS; exchange information regarding programs and services offered at HBCUS; acquire visibility and support for HBCU graduate schools and graduate programs; improve communication among member institutions; strengthen the roles of HBCUS in graduate education; and, to collaborate among member institutions on research, faculty exchange, and to ensure maximum use of institutional resources. Members also feel that through CHBGS they are able to: increase doctoral and master’s degree production among .African-American students; make a difference in the lives and futures of poor students and first generation students; and, to educate underserved populations because of the importance of an enlightened citizenry in a democracy.

VISION STATEMENT

The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools articulates the needs, aspirations and interests of graduate schools and graduate programs at historically black colleges and universities by: supporting and promoting their strengths and excellence nationally and internationally; facilitating change that enhances opportunities for HBCUS to offer quality graduate educational programs to all students, but in particular to African-American students; and, representing the interests of graduate education for African American students nationally and internationally.

CORE VALUES

Membership in the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools is open to all institutions and individuals who possess an abiding commitment to excellence in graduate education and to:

  1. enhancing opportunities for underserved populations to obtain a graduate education
  2. increasing diversity among recipients of master’s and doctoral degrees
  3. maximizing opportunities for student learning, growth and development through the sharing of information
  4. expanding social justice through improved educational opportunity
  5. exploring creative solutions to challenges facing graduate schools and graduate programs at HBCUS; and
  6. establishing partnerships, and alliances among individuals and institutions that share these core values.

MISSION STATEMENT

The primary mission of the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools is to increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation of African-American students in graduate programs and to prepare them to become future faculty and leaders. The CHBGS seeks to enhance the number and quality of graduate courses and degree programs available in HBCUS and in institutions interested in graduate education for African American students. The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools will promote the research mission of member institutions by encouraging maximum involvement in scholarly initiatives and by facilitating the dissemination of knowledge concerning African-Americans. The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools supports the concept of multiculturalism; however, it recognizes and defends the right of graduate programs at HBCUS to compete equitably for funds to support programs and services in order to promote graduate study among African-American students. The Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools will seek to ensure the viable representation of historically black colleges and universities at all forums pertaining to American graduate education.

OBJECTIVES

The Objectives of the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools are to:

  1. consider mutual problems and opportunities for strengthening graduate education and research among the member institutions;
  2. function in liaison with other national, international, and regional educational and accrediting bodies;
  3. serve as a representative on graduate affairs for the institutional members to other national, international, and regional educational and accrediting bodies;
  4. assist the member institutions in developing the graduate level programs and a research mission at their colleges and universities;
  5. take continuous interest in the activities of other bodies which concern themselves with the standards of graduate work; and,
  6. undertake special studies in graduate education that affect the historically black colleges and universities.

A Five Year Plan for CHBGS
Consistent with its vision statement, core values, and mission statement, the strategic plan of the CHBGS will focus on two major goals: (1) raising the profile of CHBGS as the national premier voice for graduate education at HBCUS through developing external funding to support CHBGS initiatives; and, (2) improving communication among the CHBGS membership, the HBCU community, and related constituents of the higher education community.

GOAL 1: RAISE THE NATIONAL PROFILE OF CHBGS
Over the next five years, the CHBGS will raise its national profile by becoming more visible in its activities and by using technology and local and national media to report CHBGS’ activities and positions on issues affecting graduate education at historically black graduate schools, and by pursuing a variety of external funding sources including, but not limited to, foundations, federal and state grants, and corporate sponsorship to support CHBGS’ meetings, conferences, and initiatives.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

1.1. Hold summer workshops to: work on the direction and goals of CHBGS; develop national priorities; search for grant funds to support CHBGS initiatives; lobby government officials, agencies, and foundations; and, to create good will.

1.2. Develop a national institute focusing on research and policy affecting the human condition that would provide CHBGS with recognition as a problem solver. 1.3. Develop a national institute as a means of developing infrastructure, and as a place to do business:

GOAL 2: IMPROVE COMMUNICATION
The CHBGS will develop strategies for effective and timely communication with its membership and the HBCU community. The CHBGS will also improve communication with relevant constituents in the higher education community including developing formal affiliations, partnerships, and memoranda of understanding (MOU) with such organizations and associations whose missions and goals are compatible with CHBGS where such affiliations, partnerships, and MOU will advance the addressing the mission and goals of CHBGS.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

2.1. Implement electronic, internet and web based platforms for disseminating information on member services, forms, and, inter-institutional communication.

2.2 Execute memoranda of understanding (MOU), and written agreements in order to establish formal partnerships and/or other strategic alliances with institutions that share CHBGS’ core values including, but not necessarily limited to. National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the National Association of Black Graduate Students (NABGS); and the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS)..

2.3. Identify corporate sponsors to support CHBGS’ initiatives including, but not limited to meetings, conferences, publications, and sessions designed to disseminate information related to CHBGS’ initiatives.