The grand finale of strategic planning will held Monday, April 26 when the Strategic Planning Council, the Deans, and the Governing Ideas Task Force brainstorm strategic “initiatives” (measurable, action steps) for each of nine strategic “directions” (listed below). While approximately 75 invitees will physically participate in the event, space limitations and logistics prevent an open invitation.

BUT we can include your ideas by emailing me (dwcox@astate.edu) by 5:00 Thursday, April 22. I will copy your in absentia idea (along with your name as sponsor) and it will be considered along with ideas presented by the April 26 participants. Ideas, both yours and theirs, will be discussed in breakout sessions for each of the strategic directions. When the ideas move forward in the printed record for the day (April 26), they will receive a number (sponsor names removed) and will be prioritized at the end of the day (April 26).

Please look over the nine strategic “directions” listed at the end of this message and email me with your strategic “initiatives” thinking. Please identify the specific direction (by #) you are talking about and offer initiative(s) that are measurable, action oriented, and brief (25 words or less). You can also include a target date if you have one.

Here are some examples of “initiatives” for strategic directions # 1, # 2, and # 6:

# 1 Develop a “brand” for ASU that is distinctive and quickly recognizable through systematic marketing and public relations activities.

# 2 Convert the directorship of the Center for Teaching and Learning to a full time position by Fall 05.

# 6 Increase the percentage of enrolled minority students to ____ percent by Fall 06.

a.      Employ a special recruiter to spend time in Little Rock actually meeting minority students in their homes and at their schools.

b.      Develop a special scholarship pool for students who have significant experience working and living in a community composed primarily of minority students.

(Some initiatives, like the third example, might have specific actions steps associated with them. That degree of specificity is not required, but is certainly welcome if you are aware of such action steps and wish to submit them along with the umbrella initiative suggestion. )

The nine strategic “directions” are:

1.         Enhance the university’s reputation, visibility, and influence.

2.         Enhance learning by focusing on the institution’s priorities – teaching, research, and service.

3.         Develop a cohesive campus community based on strong shared governance, excellent communication, and mutual respect.

4.         Develop a culture of assessment to continually and systematically examine and enhance educational and institutional outcomes.

5.         Increase enrollment, retention rate, and graduation rate of both undergraduate and graduate students.

6.         Enhance the diversity and inclusiveness of students, faculty, staff, and curriculum.

7.         Increase resources to the university.

8.         Strategically allocate/reallocate resources among divisions and colleges based on institutional priorities.

9.         Develop an environment that fosters social and economic development.

 

Sincerely,

David Cox, Chair, Strategic Planning Council

dwcox@astate.edu