Interim chancellor sends invitation to institution-wide strategic planning retreat

September 15, 2010


Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

As we near the completion of our Centennial Celebration, it is time for us to embark on imagining what the future will hold for Arkansas State University-Jonesboro (ASUJ) in the next 100 years.  We will begin this process with an institution-wide strategic planning retreat scheduled for October 14-16, 2010 at the Reng  Student Services Center/Student Union, 101N.Caraway Road, Jonesboro.

The retreat will be based on the Open Space Technology concept originated by internationally-renowned consultant, Harrison Owen, who will serve as our facilitator for the retreat.  During this highly-focused event, ASUJ will be able to produce the foundation for drafting its new strategic plan.  Within a very short period of time, all constituents who are interested in participating in the retreat will be able to contribute to and shape the strategic plan in a process that is productive and succinct.  By the end of the academic year 2010-2011, ASUJ will have a constituency-endorsed and board-approved strategic plan that is second to none.

The strategic plan will serve as the foundation for ASUJ’s Higher Learning Commission self-study that is being prepared for the fall 2012 comprehensive visit for reaffirmation of accreditation.  The plan will be tied to the five criteria required for accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC).

There is a place for everyone who desires to participate in the strategic planning process – faculty, staff, and students.  As this process produces results very quickly, it is most important that participants plan to attend all sessions throughout the two and one-half day retreat.  It is not a come and go event – we need you from start to finish!  The retreat will begin at 8 a.m., Thursday, October 14, and conclude at 12 noon on Saturday, October 16.  We will break for the day at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.  Lunch will be provided to allow for continuity on Thursday and Friday.

This is a significant event for the future of our institution and we want to hear your ideas for moving ASU forward.  I have asked that supervisors of faculty and staff, and instructors of students be sensitive to those desiring to participate in the strategic planning retreat through supporting their attendance.

If you care about the future of ASUJ, then the institution-wide strategic planning retreat is your opportunity to voice what you think will be the challenges and opportunities facing ASUJ over the next few years.  Please plan to join in this significant event. In order that we may know how to plan for meals and refreshments, please register (Click Here) by September 28, 2010.  For more information, please contact the Office of the Provost at 870-972-2030.

Thank you so very much for your thoughtful consideration of accepting this invitation to participate in the institution-wide strategic planning retreat.  I look forward to your participation in mid-October and the associated self-study process in the months ahead.

Warmest regards,

G. Daniel Howard, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor
GDH/pbp

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