STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
December 17, 2004
MINUTES - DRAFT
Present: Chris Bailey, Jim Chase, Carolyn Denard, Muriel Godbout, Michael Groth, Diane Hutchinson, Frank Lacomb, Meghan McCune , Nicole Pellegrino, Laura Purdy, Susan Sloan, Amy Staples, Susan Talbot, Lisa Marsh Ryerson, Meredith VanDuyne, Steve Zabriskie.
10:34 am Carolyn Denard called the meeting to order.
C. Denard asked the committee if there was any news or discussions that they need to go over.
L. Ryerson stated that the Board was excited about the planning process and the discussion about the Mission Statement. A committee will convene in January with faculty to discuss the Mission not about the wording but about who we are today. One group was for the change of wording from women to students, another was not. Now is the time to articulate.
C. Denard stated that sending out information to the community on the difference between the Vision Statement and the Mission Statement did clear up any misinformation.
She then asked for summary handouts from each subcommittee chair on priorities and Five-Year vision for Goals. She went over again that the assignment was to be concise with discussion on each goal. All subcommittee chairs responded. Some subcommittees had hand out information for the committee and some had not completed the process. Summary sentences for the Vision statements were also prepared by some subcommittees.
C. Denard wondered if a theme for the language on the Strategic Plan was possible. A word or phrase that best characterizes what has been heard and what comes to mind when it is all broken down.
She asked each member to come up with a word or short phrase.
C. Bailey sustainable growth or growth sustainable
S. Talbot the same
L. Ryerson Vibrant
F. Lacomb Professional instruction
M. Godbout Sustainable, controlled Growth
M. VanDuyne - Sustainable, Excellence
J. Chase Preparedness, Commitment, Futuristic
L. Purdy Excellent Support, Comfort, Love
M. McCune Expand and Sustain
N. Pellegrino Support and Improve
M. Groth Citizenship
C. Denard Enhance, Improve
S. Sloan Quality
P. Wahlen Sustainability and Excellence
S. Zabriskie - Committment
C. Denard asked why Sustainable was the word that was used the most and what did it mean to the committee? The consensus was that it was like walking toward the edge of financial problems and then being able to walk away. Extra money to put into new initiatives in the next 5 years, to bring on resources, improvements and enhancements. Long Term sustainability. Build a foundation and get down to basics then build it from the ground up. There is the need for a strong base to support all of the Plan. Change shifting sand to rock.
The Vision Plan also should not over-reach. Complete the 5 year plan by ticking off each completed part and then plan ahead for 2015.
C. Denard asked if any of the subcommittees had constructed a draft of the Vision Statement. Homework for the next meeting in February was to be specific on plans for the next 5 years but not to over-reach. Do a composite Vision Statement using one sentence.
Staples asked how does the committee do the practical part as opposed to the visionary.
C. Denard stated this process is what is needed first. Then check with finances, it will all have to be balanced, using a Capital Campaign or something on that order. There must be planning and cost analysis, the Strategic Plan will take a large investment for some of the goals and for others not as much.
M. McCune stated that at the December 2 Board meeting that Board members were very receptive and excited about it. They will expect something presented before they move forward. The Vision Statement should be specific with words including facilities, salaries etc.
Bailey asked has anyone thought of how many students would be needed in enrollment to reach the goals. Numbers of new students need to be added to each years goals to plan this.
Denard stated that in February the committee will work on statements to clear up all the goals and priorities and present a 6 or 7 page plan with Vision Statement, Goals and Benchmarks. Committee members on campus will work on this to be ready for the February meeting. She asked that subcommittees have this ready by the 7th of January or at the latest the 14th.
The next meeting date was not finalized until schedules can be determined for faculty members, students and others on the committee.
Meeting ended 11:45 am
Minutes recorded and respectfully submitted by Verna I Dugan