March 25, 2008
Campus ideas for strategic plan sought
What is your vision of AU in 2018?
The strategic planning steering committee is inviting everyone on campus to share “their ideas and visions . . . for what American University could be in five or 10 years from now,” according to Chair William DeLone, a professor in the Kogod School of Business.
The 17-member committee—which includes professors, administrators, staff, an alumnus, and two students—is focused on five areas: student centeredness; academic excellence; engagement and service in the global, national, and local communities; a lifelong connection to AU; and creation of a community of diverse voices and goals.
“We’re looking for a high level of thinking about these issues,” said DeLone. “This is people’s opportunity to have a say in the future of the university.”
Over the next five to six weeks, the committee will host town hall meetings to engage students, faculty, and staff in the strategic planning process. The first will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Mar. 28, in the McDowell Formal Lounge. A second session is slated for Apr. 22.
The committee will also launch a Web site in April, on which members of the AU community, including alumni, may post thoughts and questions, or they may e-mail their ideas to strategicplan@american.edu.
Committee members are also happy to meet with people individually.
“Our primary role is to be the channel through which people voice their concerns” about everything from the diversity of the student body to professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, he said.
Following President Neil Kerwin’s timeline, the committee will use the initial input from the campus community to draft a strategic plan and propose metrics to measure performance. The committee will then submit the plan to the community for review, taking into consideration comments, criticisms, or additional recommendations.
In November, the university will present the plan to the Board of Trustees for review, revision, and approval.
“I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our community will produce an inspiring, challenging, and feasible plan for our next decade,” Kerwin said.
