More than 300 members of the University community were on hand for the Strategic Planning Update held Jan. 28 in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballroom.
President Gary L. Miller began the event by expressing his gratitude to the members of the Strategic Working Group, chaired by Dr. Steven Ash, seen above at the podium, for their efforts to move forward the Affirming Our Promises – Strategic Planning Process. The faculty-led, community-wide initiative is expected to be presented to the Board of Trustees at its June meeting and will establish a strategic direction for UA for the next several years.
In his turn at the podium, Ash outlined the working group’s four recommendations, based on the members’ review of existing college three-year plans and potential areas of growth. They are:
- Expand online offerings through a uniquely branded comprehensive Akron Virtual Campus.
- Direct available resources to high demand degree areas related to business, engineering, technology, and health professions.
- Develop increased flexibility with more pathways for student success.
- Capitalize on potential opportunities to generate income through external partnerships with regional businesses.
Details related to each strategic theme are available online on the Affirming Our Promises – Strategic Planning Process.
Following the presentation, everyone in the ballroom was invited to share their thoughts and ideas on the recommendations on whiteboards placed around the ballroom.
The sharing will continue online as the next version of the plan is developed by the Drafting and Integration Group. All members of the campus community are invited to share their suggestions and comments.
