STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
January 31, 2006
Henry Wells Room
Minutes
Present: J. Chase, C. Collins, J. Goddard, K. Green, M. Groth, E. Hall, D. Hutchinson,
F. Lacomb, L. Labar, V. Muñoz, B. Roberts, A. Rollo, S. Sloan, A. Staples,
L. Ryerson, M. VanDuyne
Absent: C. Bailey, M. Godbout, S. Grey, N. Pellegrino, P. Wahlen, E. Smith, S. Zabriskie
Meeting began at 8:45 a.m.
Ellen H. facilitated the meeting.
I. The minutes for November 18 and December 2 meetings will be approved at the next meeting.
A feedback sheet had been sent out to the Board of Trustees asking them to complete before the working meeting on Thursday, February 2nd. It asked them to list the five initiatives they thought best supported the enrollment and financial goals in the plan and also up to five initiatives they thought needed more information before being considered for implementation in the future. A feedback sheet was also emailed to all strategic planning committee members to do the same. This would help in developing the discussion for Thursday’s meeting.
Ellen H. reported that there would be round tables in the AER and that it would be dinner first then the meeting. Ellen’s recent meeting with President Ryerson, Diane H., Suzanne Grey and Pat Wahlen brought a few questions that the board may have and this committee will need to be ready to answer. One concern was the wording in the plan regarding the Learning Center. There are different levels of understanding as to what the purpose of the Learning Center is, exactly whom will it be helping and what programs are not already in place. Ellen will include in her introduction information regarding the Learning Center so that everyone would have a better understanding what the Learning Center would do, why it is needed and the students it would help.
After reviewing the plan, many board members were concerned about the cost of approximately $16 million dollars. This figure does not include the science building. The board will be looking to see what this committee’s priorities are to implement first and what can be done at a later date.
A question was raised as to whether it was the intent to have the Board endorse the entire plan first and then prioritize the plan. The answer was yes this committee is looking for the board to endorse the entire plan but they are also looking to see what initiatives will be prioritized, as they need to know how this plan will play out. Their concern is where would this $16 million come from. There is not enough money to cover the entire plan and most, if not all, would need to be obtained through fund raising. Current board dollars are for current capital projects, the science building and Schwartz Center. A broader campaign would be needed for the plan. Also, it must be kept in mind that the board is thinking of Wells’ current deficit when they are giving approval for the plan. Some parts of the plan have already been accepted, some parts have already been committed to, and others are currently in progress. Victoria M. asked for those initiatives already in process; does this mean the board doesn’t need to fund right away? Part of the discussion Thursday will need to include a reporting about the committee’s process on a concrete level, from the beginning regarding what has been done, what is in process, and what still needs to be done. The strategic plan will help in some ways to increase the operating budget. The $16 million is needed and it is hoped that the operating budget would increase right along. What needs to be done is not to ask the board to approve dollars twice. Work has already begun on many items with minimal resources. Money is still needed to complete and continue the work started. Ann R. stated that the plan has already improved the process of raising money.
Susan S. asked if the committee could go over exactly what initiatives are in process: They are the following:
B3, Pg 1 (Wells 111) A1, 2,3, 4, Pg. 6
D2, Pg 2 B1, 2, 3, Pg. 7
A1, Pg 2 C1, 3, Pg. 7
A1, Pg 4 A3, Pg. 7
B1, Pg 4 E3, Pg. 8
C1, Pg 3 D1,2,3,4, Pg. 8
C3, Pg 3 E1, 2, Pg. 8
C6, Pg 3 C1, 2, 3, Pg. 8
E1, Pg 3 A1, Pg. 9
E4, Pg 3 A2, Pg. 9
A1, Pg 5 A1, Pg. 10
A2, Pg 5 B1, 2, Pg. 10
C3, Pg 4 C2, 3, Pg. 10
C1, 2, 3, Pg 5 D3, Pg. 10
E1, Pg 6 E1, Pg. 10 (Completed)
1. This committee’s goal is to move for the Board’s endorsement.
2. Set priorities.
3. Indicate what should be completed first in a good quality manner.
4. Introduction by Ellen H., Amy S. and Pat W.:
a. Talk about the progress the Strategic Planning Committee has already made and what needs to be accomplished.
b. Explain more about the Learning Center.
c. Explain why the Strategic Planning Committee is so focused on Diversity, Athletics and the Learning Center.
Ellen asked that all committee members please complete at least the top portion of the feedback form and return to Phyllis by tomorrow noon.
Meeting ended at 10:15a.
Next meeting: Thursday, February 2nd at 6:45p with the Board of Trustees in the AER.
Respectively submitted: Phyllis Siemiatkowski