Updating MSU's Undergraduate Learning Goals

Dear Colleagues,  

I am writing to share an important academic initiative focused on redesigning MSU’s Undergraduate Learning Goals (ULGs).  

MSU’s Undergraduate Learning Goals were last updated over 15 years ago. Since then, higher education has changed dramatically—driven by rapid technological advances, shifting workforce expectations, and the need to define the unique value of an undergraduate degree.  

The MiLEAP Learning Goals Project is our opportunity to establish compelling and current learning outcomes that equip MSU’s graduates with the knowledge and skills to thrive. The Learning Goals Working Committee, collaborating closely with the Learning Goals Advisory Council and the broader MSU community, is charged with:  

• Developing a revised set of undergraduate learning goals that integrate liberal and practical education in alignment with MSU’s land-grant mission, fostering meaningful connections between curricular and co-curricular learning.  
• Ensuring alignment with the Five Opportunity Areas for Student Success, strengthening coherence across academic programs, student support, and institutional strategy.  

As faculty, you will be central to this work. Your perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy, disciplinary expectations, and student learning will directly shape the design and refinement of the revised Undergraduate Learning Goals. The success of this initiative relies on broad and thoughtful faculty engagement across all colleges and academic units.  

When we return from winter break, the Learning Goals Project team will distribute a survey to all faculty, academic staff, and other campus partners. I encourage you to complete the survey and share it within your unit. Your insight is critical to ensuring the revised learning goals reflect the strengths, priorities, and aspirations of our academic community.  

If you have advice, questions, or suggestions for the project leads, please connect with the team at LG.Initiative@msu.edu. Further information about the project, including background, goals, timeline, and committees is available on the Learning Goals webpage.  

I look forward to your engagement and feedback throughout this work.  

Sincerely,  

Laura Lee McIntyre, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
MSU Research Foundation Professor, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education