President's five imperatives, state budget discussed at All Division Update

President Thomas J. Haas outlined his five imperatives for strategic planning at the All Division Update held in the Kirkhof Center October 3. They include diversity, enrollment management, facilities master planning, broadening the base for financial support and Human Resources planning.

“We are refreshing our strategic plan to 2010 and beyond,” Haas said. “We are looking eight to nine years ahead as we manage our growth, and 15 to 50 years ahead for facilities planning.”

Executive officers from each university division spoke, including Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations. McLogan expressed disappointment that the governor’s recommended budget increase for universities will not occur. “The 2008 appropriation will likely be unchanged from last year,” McLogan said, “and the result is we have more students and no additional state aid.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gayle R. Davis announced an annual faculty convocation and awards ceremony; the first one is scheduled for February 7.

Maribeth Wardrop, vice president for University Development, said for the first time, annual giving reached the $1 million mark, totaling about $1.2 million. And, Jim Bachmeier, vice president for Finance and Administration, said Grand Valley is rated annually by Standard & Poors and has been given an A+ credit rating.