Curricular relevance: Ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, innovative, and capable of preparing graduates to lead and influence change in the field.  

Objectives:

Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions about curriculum updates and enhancements. 

• Regular Curriculum Review:
  • Conduct regular curriculum reviews informed by accreditation standards, industry trends, and stakeholder feedback to ensure alignment with current health informatics and health information management practices.
  • Incorporate feedback from students, alumni, and industry partners to continuously improve course content. 
  • Prepare students for roles aligned with industry standards. 

• Innovative Teaching Methods:
  • Utilize cutting-edge teaching methods, such as simulation-based learning, virtual labs, and interactive case studies, to enhance student engagement and understanding.
  • Integrate project-based learning and collaborative assignments to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

• Capstone Projects and Internships:
  • Require students to complete capstone projects that address real-world problems and demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. 
  • Facilitate internships and co-op programs with leading healthcare organizations to provide hands-on experiences and industry exposure. 

• Industry Collaboration:
  • Partner with healthcare organizations, technology companies, and professional associations to co-develop modules that reflect real-world challenges and innovations. 
  • Invite industry experts to serve as guest lecturers and adjunct faculty to provide practical insights and up-to-date knowledge.

• Interdisciplinary Approach:
  • Design courses/modules that integrate knowledge from related fields such as data science, public health, and healthcare business/finance to provide a comprehensive understanding of health informatics and health information management. 
  • Encourage interdisciplinary projects and research to promote innovation and holistic learning. 

• Professional Development:
  • Offer workshops, seminars, and explore the designing and offering of certificates on emerging trends and technologies in health informatics and health information management.
  • Support faculty in attending conferences and professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements.
  • Promote professional development, peer evaluations, and feedback mechanisms to elevate teaching quality and methods.

• Continuous Improvement:
  • Implement a system for ongoing assessment and evaluation of course effectiveness, including student performance and satisfaction metrics. 
  • Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions about curriculum updates and enhancements. 

Create enduring partnerships and influence: HIHIM programs are recognized as key partners by stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaboration in our community.

Objectives:

• Improve advisory boards development and engagement:
  • Enhance the effectiveness and diversity of advisory boards. 
  • Increase engagement and active participation of advisory board members.
• Increase program visibility within the University of Washington and across WWAMI+ 
• Strengthen existing relationships and establish new partnerships
• Identify and pursue additional opportunities for program development and community impact 

Ensure equitable access and inclusion so that every student has the opportunity to thrive in the HIHIM program.

Objectives:

• Inclusive Curriculum and Pedagogy:
  • Integrate diverse perspectives and content into the curriculum. 
  • Train faculty on inclusive teaching practices and cultural competency. 
• Program Climate and Community:
  • Foster an inclusive program environment through student organizations and events that celebrate diversity.
  • Conduct regular assessments of the program climate to identify and address any issues related to equity and inclusion. 
  • Foster a learning environment that respects and supports a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. 
• Accessibility:
  • Ensure that all program materials and facilities are accessible to students with disabilities.
  • Provide accommodations and support for students with different learning needs.
  • Ensure all programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. 
  • Implement technology to enhance accessibility for all students. 
• Increase Diversity in Enrollment:
  • Implement targeted recruitment efforts to attract students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Partner with high schools and community organizations to promote the program to diverse populations.
  • Employ a holistic admission process. 
• Financial Support:
  • Offer scholarships to attract and retain a diverse and talented student body.
  • Provide information and assistance with financial planning and resources. 
• Enhance Support Services:
  • Ensure that academic and career support services support the needs of a diverse student population
  • Provide additional resources and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Prepare students for success prior to enrollment and throughout the first quarter. 

Exceed national benchmarks for job placement after graduation: Ensure that graduates of the HIHIM programs are well-prepared and highly competitive in the job market and securing their chosen pathway as exceptional candidates in the field.

Objectives:

• Industry Partnerships:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with healthcare organizations, technology companies, and other relevant industries to create internship and job opportunities for students. 
  • Organize regular networking events, career fairs, and industry panels to connect students with potential employers. 
• Career Services:
  • Provide comprehensive career counseling services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to the health informatics and health information management fields. 
  • Offer workshops and seminars on emerging trends and skills in the industry to keep students competitive in the job market. 
• Alumni Network:
  • Leverage the alumni network to create mentorship opportunities and job referrals for current students.
  • Highlight successful alumni and their career paths to inspire and guide current students. 
• Practical Experience:
  • Integrate hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, co-op programs, and capstone projects, into the curriculum to provide students with real-world experience. 
  • Encourage participation in industry certifications and professional development courses. 
• Job Placement Tracking:
  • Implement a robust system for tracking job placement rates and collecting feedback from graduates and employers to continuously improve the program. 
  • Use data analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement in job placement support. 
• Employer Engagement:
  • Regularly engage with employers to understand their needs and expectations, ensuring the curriculum aligns with industry demands. 
  • Invite industry leaders to serve on advisory boards and participate in curriculum development. 

Empower faculty and staff excellence through resources and development: HIHIM faculty and staff have timely access to the tools, technologies, and opportunities, in order to provide an excellent educational experience to our students.

Objectives:

• Professional Development for Faculty and Staff:
  • Provide regular training and professional development opportunities to keep faculty and staff updated on the latest industry trends and teaching methodologies. 
  • Support faculty and staff attendance at conferences, workshops, and seminars relevant to their areas of expertise in the program 
• Mentorship and Collaboration:
  • Create faculty mentorship program. 
  • Encourage collaborative projects and partnerships with other academic institutions and industry organizations. 
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Implement a feedback system to regularly assess the effectiveness of resources and development programs. 
  • Use data and feedback to make informed decisions about resource allocation and program enhancements. 
• Recognition and Incentives:
  • Recognize and reward faculty and staff for their contributions to teaching excellence, research, and service.
  • Offer incentives for innovative teaching practices and successful research initiatives.