Dean's update

September 15, 2008

All colleges have been charged by Provost Nicholls to develop a new strategic plan that is aligned with the new Academic Plan. Our draft plan must be delivered to the provost by January 1. This gives us limited time to engage in a planning activity that will chart our progress over the next five years.

In consultation with the associate deans, we have developed a number of questions related to the new Academic Plan. These questions will be available on-line to all faculty and staff beginning next week and will be available for your input for a two week period. This material will be collated and summarized and used as the starting point for the development of our new plan. A half-day planning retreat will be scheduled for late October to work with the administrative team on the development of a draft plan. Nominated faculty and staff will be invited to participate in this planning retreat. 

Following the retreat, I will work with a small writing team to develop a draft plan. This draft will be available on the intranet for comment by all faculty and staff. Given the short time frame for completion, much of our input and comment will have to come via electronic means. As we circulate materials, I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to participate.

Gregory J. Weidemann

Dean and Director