Members absent: Bellaver, Buck, Hanson, Motloch, Ober, Park, Shupp, Twibell
Interim Provost Deborah Balogh convened the meeting at 7:35 a.m.
Announcements:
Dr. Borna announced that a colleague has made available three articles for task force members. They are: "Is There Life After Rankings?''; "What's Really Wrong with U.S. Business Schools?"; and "AACSB International Report Urges Change in Media B-School Rankings." Those members who wish copies should see Jean Amman.
Minutes: The minutes of November 11, 2005, were approved as distributed.
Strategic Directions/Planning Priorities/Strategies for Distinctiveness:
Dan Lutz distributed suggestions from Linda Hanson, who could not be in attendance. A second handout with an example of a strategy for achieving distinction under Goal 2, as well as relevant sample objectives and boxes for baselines, targets, initiatives or action plans, and assessment plans, came from Drs. Hanson, McKenzie, and Sabatine.
The group also looked at the updated list of "Strategic Directions/Planning Priorities/Strategies for Distinctiveness" (November 14, 2005). Dr. Balogh explained that she had edited the list based on comments at the previous meeting. In particular, the wording of Item #6 varies from the wording indicated in the minutes of that meeting. The item now reads: "Guarantee student access to significant experiential learning activities, such as immersion experiences, research opportunities, and study abroad." Discussion ensued.
There was yet some concern that a guarantee could result in an unfunded mandate, that it ought to be for
qualified students only, and that the item ought to make explicit that students will have access in the university, but not necessarily in their departmental major. Other task force members did not see a problem, saying many units are already providing a "guarantee." In addition, Student Voluntary Services, in its work with non-profit organizations, provides a broad base of opportunities for immersion experiences. It was also pointed out that the insertion of "qualified" might indicate that we have the opposite kind of student, and that would be a public relations problem. Further, it was mentioned that experiential learning activities can turn around less able students as well.
There was also support for Dr. Hanson's suggestion: "Provide immersive, experiential learning for every student," particularly for the placement of the phrase "for every student" at the end of the item. It was suggested that the item could read as follows:
"Guarantee access to significant experiential learning activities, such as immersion experiences, research opportunities, and study abroad, for every student." This wording was approved with one dissent.
As the group continued to evaluate the list of planning priorities, it was decided to eliminate Item #11. For Item #12, the members added the word "life" to Dr. Hanson's suggestion, referring to "campus life." However, they believed that this item should apply only to students and that a separate item should be formulated to address the multiple forms of scholarly activity for faculty. The conclusion was that Item #12 (before renumbering) will read:
"Increase the quality of campus life, including infrastructure and services that support student learning and engagement." Task force members also wished to add a specific item about attracting and retaining high-quality faculty, with a focus similar to Goal III in the current plan. One member stated that we recruit well, but we do not retain as well; therefore, it is necessary to figure out ways to reward faculty. Ways to do so can become objectives (in the boxes) under this strategy in the new plan. It was decided that the word "support" should be included with "recruit" and "retain," but that the task force will not over-structure for units by telling them how to support their personnel. After a few comments about the necessity of having position slots to recruit personnel, the consensus was to add the following planning priority:
"Implement innovative ways to attract, support, and retain high-quality faculty and professional personnel." The discussion then returned to wording an item addressing scholarly activity by faculty. It was decided to include the four kinds of scholarship as defined by Boyer. The new item will state as a priority:
"Promote and reward the scholarship of teaching, discovery, application, and integration."
When a concern was raised about adding items to a list that was growing longer, several ideas were proposed:
- Eliminate Item #13 on professional development initiatives, assuming that it will be covered under the "attract, support, and retain" item. (However, there was strong support for keeping the item.)
- Collapse Item #10 on diversity into the "attract, support, and retain" item; i.e., "high-quality, diverse faculty and professional staff." At the same time, numbers 4, 5, and 10 could be consolidated into "Attract, retain, and graduate a more selective, more diverse student body."
Regarding the latter idea, there was concern that "diversity" needs to stand alone. Also, some thought the emphasis should be on increasing our attraction, retention, and graduation of a more selective, more diverse student body. It was decided to proceed to other items with discussion of these ideas and concerns to continue at the Cabinet level.
The question arose as to whether or not "old" Item #14 is still needed. Perhaps it is a framework for the entire list of planning priorities. The decision was to leave it in as stated.
Another item for discussion was the inclusion of an item on sustainability. One idea was to add "sustainability" to "old" Item #12: "Increase the quality and sustainability of campus life . . .," but it was decided instead that there should be a new item that would be clear to most people:
"Develop and pursue innovative approaches to environmental sustainability." A Name for the List: A final decision of the meeting was to name the entire list "Planning Priorities."
Adjournment:
Dr. Balogh announced that the task force will reconvene on Friday, December 9, at 7:30 a.m., with the place to be announced.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
RELATED LINK:
Agenda for November 18, 2005