Converse University Strategic Plan 2023-2026

2023-2026 Key Updates

Enriching Our Programs

• Created and implemented the First Day Ready Textbook Program, which eliminates the cost and hassle of getting textbooks and required supplies, allowing students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about paying for books and materials
• Introduced six new undergraduate majors to align with student demand and be responsive to trends in higher education, and two new programs in The Graduate School.
• Expanded Career Development staffing to ensure students’ pathways to success in today’s job market.
• Expanded support and promotion for adult, veteran and military-affiliated students thanks to $1 million in philanthropic funds from Movement 2030, a county-wide initiative led by the Spartanburg Academic Movement focused on advancing economic mobility and career readiness.
• Earned the prestigious Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School designation at the Silver level, in recognition of our work to embrace military students and dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.
• Continued commitment to The Converse Guarantee, which ensures that all undergraduate, full-time students will graduate from Converse in four years and also guarantees that eligible students will be employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
• Expanded our Board of Visitors and Deans’ Advisory Boards to reignite partnerships within our communities and intentionally create pathways for students to excel in today’s job market.
• Continued career development education in our Student Success Seminar, introducing career readiness early in the Converse experience.
• Continued the Faculty and RISE Symposia, showcasing the creative and scholarly achievements of the campus community.
• Introduced targeted initiatives to strengthen the retention of second-year students.

Empowering Our People

• Appointed Dr. Reed Chewning as the new Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning.
• Thanks to a generous legacy gift, our faculty and staff was provided with tiered, cost-of-living salary adjustments and created a sizable endowment for future merit-based bonuses.
• Conducted a 360 Leadership Survey on Executive Leadership and Academic Deans.
• Implemented several digital processes into the Human Resources workflow, including a fully online onboarding process and an online benefit enrollment platform, Employee Navigator.
• Expanded Employee Assistance Program services.
• Continued support for flexible work arrangements.
• Continued a comprehensive compensation and market analysis using CUPA-HR data to support competitive and equitable pay practices.
• Expanded employee professional development offerings through Health Advocate (wellness and leadership) and CG Financial Services (financial health, retirement planning, and debt management).
• Maintained supplemental insurance options for benefit-eligible employees, including pet, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• Sustained regular communication through the HR newsletter, sharing updates on initiatives, events, milestones, and wellness resources.
• Continued employee recognition efforts, including service milestones, spotlights, and awards aligned with Converse Service Expectations.

Enhancing Our Places

• Campus upgrades, including:
  • Upgrades to exterior light poles for increased safety and security;
  • Improved lighting surrounding several facilities;
  • Hazardous tree removal and restriping of parking lots;
  • HVAC improvements in select academic spaces;
  • Floor refinishing in many classroom spaces
  • Montgomery Student Center Gym upgrades, including new shock-absorbing rubber flooring and state-of-the-art cardio, strength machines and free weights;
  • Renovation of the Fain Langdale McDaniel ’92 Commuter Center to enhance community and belonging for non-residential and Converse II students (currently underway);
  • Completed repairs to the Hazel B. Abbott rigging system.

• Residential Hall community space improvements to meet the needs of today’s students, including:
  • Refreshed bathrooms and common areas in Dexter, Belk, and Andrews.
  • Painted and completed other light refreshes in Howard, Kate, Pell and Fleming.
  • Updated the lobby in Andrews Hall (Class of 1973 gift).
  • Renovated and transformed Cudd Hall to become a dynamic learning and living community for students
  • Replaced the Andrews Hall fire alarm and sprinkler systems.
  • Continued major HVAC upgrades across campus, including improvements in Carmichael, a new chiller for Mickel, gas pack replacements in Weisiger, motor replacements in Phifer, and other critical repairs to aging equipment.
  • Improved environmental conditions in several buildings through the replacement of multiple water heaters serving Wilson, Gee, Pell and Dexter.
  • Increased the variety of options in dining and market stations located across campus, including grab-n-go offerings in Market C in Mickel Library, a self-serve coffee bar, Richard’s Roast, in Cudd Hall, and our newest addition of pop-up Chick-Fil-A lunches, which are included in students’ meal plans.
  • Implemented a zero-based budgeting process to prioritize funding for the events, programs, and initiatives that best enhance the student experience.
  • Established a local high school co-op program to strengthen community partnerships.