Access, opportunity and excellence at MSU
At Michigan State University, access, opportunity and excellence are integral to our mission and the foundation of our success. Together, they ensure that every member of our community has the support and tools they need to thrive. This framework outlines how the strategic priority is used in our work.
Access, opportunity and excellence bring a refreshed focus to the MSU 2030 university strategic plan.
Defining access, opportunity and excellence:
- Access: Expanding pathways to success at MSU
- Opportunity: Providing meaningful resources for growth
- Excellence: Nurturing talent and innovation for a global community
Access: Expanding pathways to success at MSU
Access is about creating clear and open pathways for all individuals to work, learn and succeed at MSU. It ensures that our recruitment efforts and talent development practices are welcoming of individuals from all backgrounds. By expanding access, we break down barriers that traditionally limit opportunities and ensure that all community members can contribute meaningfully to MSU’s mission.
MSU focuses on skills-based recruitment, prioritizing measurable abilities and competencies in hiring and promotions. This approach ensures that all individuals are evaluated based on their potential and merit, including in the classroom. Access is about creating a supportive environment where individuals have the tools to achieve their educational goals, from admission to graduation and beyond. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the full benefits of higher education, from enrollment to degree completion and every step in between.
Opportunity: Providing meaningful resources for growth
Opportunity is in the resources, policies, programs and initiatives to achieve access. It’s about what happens once you’re here. Opportunity is how MSU creates the environment for students, staff and faculty to grow. Opportunity is designed and it helps individuals excel, providing visibility and recognition to advance in chosen fields.
At MSU, we’re committed to offering all individuals access to a wide range of resources: academic programs, research opportunities, professional development, leadership training and more. These resources support not only personal success but also career growth, networking and exposure to opportunities that empower individuals to excel. Through strategic policies and inclusive programs, we ensure that every member of the MSU community has the chance to reach their potential and feel supported along the way.
Excellence: Nurturing talent and innovation for a global community
Excellence at MSU goes beyond world-class facilities or innovative research — it’s about how we lead. Excellence sets the standards for what we do in every area, from academic programs to outreach and engagement, from cutting-edge research to global partnerships. Excellence means pushing boundaries, creating solutions and contributing to the common good.
MSU’s commitment to excellence is seen in our top-tier facilities, the talent of our students and faculty and the innovative approaches we take in all areas of university life. We’re committed to not only achieving excellence within the walls of MSU but also extending that excellence across the state and nation and around the globe. Through world-class standards, we contribute to communities and innovate for a better future. Our excellence is a reflection of our values and a testament to our commitment to high standards in all that we do.
How changes are reflected in the MSU 2030 Plan
The refreshed strategy emphasizes a more focused approach, identifying priorities and providing a roadmap for the university that aligns with institutional values. Updates throughout every section bring the MSU 2030 document into alignment with current, ongoing work or projects in planning.
How MSU fosters inclusive communities
Fostering inclusive communities at MSU means actively creating an environment where every individual feels respected, valued and welcome. This includes ensuring everyone can engage meaningfully in academic and professional activities. Programs and initiatives will emphasize inclusion at every level of our university’s operation, from the classroom to the campus.
Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of these initiatives
To ensure success, MSU will monitor the outcomes of access, opportunity and excellence initiatives. This includes tracking performance data, conducting surveys and seeking feedback from students, staff and faculty. By using a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, MSU will continuously assess and improve the effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring they are creating a welcoming and inclusive university community.
How MSU community members contribute to access, opportunity and excellence
Every member of the MSU community plays a crucial role in advancing the principles of access, opportunity and excellence. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to engage in open discussions, participate in skill-building programs and provide feedback to continuously improve our efforts. By actively contributing to a supportive, welcoming environment, we all help foster a culture of success and excellence.
Together, we ensure that MSU remains a place where every individual has the access to succeed, the opportunity to grow and achieve, and the excellence to lead and make an impact both locally and globally. Through collective effort, we create a community that thrives and sets the standard for others to follow.