Since becoming President on July 1, 2001, I have had the opportunity to listen to various thoughts regarding the University's future, its opportunities and its challenges. Over this six-month period it has become obvious that there are common themes regarding these issues. I feel this preliminary work has provided an initial foundation for a strategic planning process which many of you have said the University needs.
The planning energy has already begun through several divisional planning initiatives so it is timely that we formulate a shared vision and identify strategic directions to connect all planning. The process I am outlining will address North Central's recommendation that Grand Valley adopt a university strategic planning process and will be inclusive of all University constituencies.
The first part of this exercise will be to appoint a Strategic Planning Advisory Committee that will be comprised of representatives from all major areas of the University. This Advisory Committee will function as a formative strategic thinking group, which is advisory to the President. Each committee member will be responsible for the continual flow of information both to and from the committee and the constituent group he or she represents. This Advisory Committee will review information from focus groups and other sources to identify strategic options for the University to pursue. In addition, the committee will review the institution's mission and articulate a vision and core values. A draft of the committee's work will be disseminated to the University community. This draft will be modified to incorporate recommendations from the campus community and then be submitted to the President's Executive Officers for review and presentation to the President for final approval. The resulting plan will provide an over-arching focus for divisional Vice Presidents and other Senior Officers to engage in a process for the development of divisional plans. If any priorities or plans involve significant policy changes, the Faculty Senate and other appropriate governance bodies will be consulted.
The first step in this planning process is to establish the membership of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. The following selection process will be used to create a committee that is generally consistent with the gender, race, ethnicity, and longevity of the University:
Faculty
Eight faculty members who are representative of the Academic Divisions, the Autonomous Professional Schools, the Library, and faculty demographics will be elected by the UAS to serve on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee.
Administration
The Chair of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee will be the Special Assistant to the President for Campus Equity and Planning. One additional Executive Officer will be appointed by the President.
Administrative Professionals
Two AP members will be selected by the President from six names submitted by the AP Committee.
Deans
Two deans will be appointed by the Interim Provost.
Students
Two undergraduate students and one graduate student will be selected by the President from six names submitted by Student Senate.
Staff
- One COT staff member will be selected by the President from three
names submitted by the union president of the COT Association.
- One Public Safety staff member will be selected by the President
from three names submitted by the union president of Public Safety.
- One Maintenance/Grounds/Services staff member will be selected by the President from three names submitted by the union president of Maintenance/Grounds/Services.
Alumni
Two alumni will be selected by the President from six names submitted by the President of the Alumni Association.
Board of Trustees
Two Board of Trustees will be selected by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Parents
Two parents will be selected by the Vice Provost and Dean of Students.
Community
Three community business and health representatives will be selected by the President.
At Large
The President may add up to four additional members.
