NDSU’s Strategic Planning Committee is nearing completion of its work, with a report expected to be submitted to President Dean L. Bresciani by the end of May.
The group’s goal has been to provide criteria to identify academic and research programs that are at or near nationally, if not internationally, recognized status. These programs will be tabbed for future enhancement funding, when it becomes available.
During the committee’s May 13 meeting, discussion revolved around using top 20 research universities as a benchmark to compare various NDSU programs’ track records and potential.
The group narrowed down broad concepts developed at previous meetings into three themes: Input, Opportunity and Output. Input called for outstanding students and excellent faculty; Opportunity outlines such items as infrastructure support and the creation of unique programs; Output suggested the need for recognized and successful graduates and acknowledged faculty. Weaved into the report will be ideas regarding a stronger overall student profile, NDSU’s scholarly distinction, increased external support and contributions to the well-being of North Dakota and its residents.
“We had a lot of accomplishments today,” said Marie Hvidsten, rural leadership specialist and Rural Leadership North Dakota program director with the NDSU Extension Service, who serves as committee facilitator. “The group has come to consensus.”
Two committee members – University Distinguished Professor Larry Reynolds of animal sciences and Michele Reid, dean of libraries – were asked to write an introduction to the committee’s report.
The bulk of the draft report will be written by committee members Jane Schuh, assistant professor of veterinary and microbiological sciences; Bruce Maylath, professor of English; Dinesh Katti, professor of civil engineering; and University Distinguished Professor Mukund Sibi of chemistry and biochemistry. Hvidsten will assist the writing group, and the rest of the committee will provide input about the draft version.
“When the committee began, we started with all kinds of ideas. Today, the group not only found themes, it found commonality. That is what is powerful about group process,” Hvidsten said. “Members were very diligent about sharing ideas, listening to others and finding commonality."
During the summer, the criteria will be provided to administrators of NDSU’s academic and research areas for the solicitation of a “Top 10” set of executive briefing proposals for potential funding, if investment resources become available.
The Strategic Planning Committee includes 20 members from across campus and six ex-officio members who serve in an advisory capacity. For information on the group’s activities, visit www.ndsu.edu/president/strategic_planning/.