June 7, 2013
Dear Colleagues,
We have been charged as a community with developing a strategic plan for our college. Thank you for your participation in the recent survey to ascertain our collective priorities for that plan. Our strategic plan should articulate a compelling vision for Augustana that can be fully realized by 2020. This planning process is an exciting opportunity for us to come together and shape the future of our college.
Over 160 members of our community have responded to the survey and we are truly grateful for your participation. The results of the survey are available at http://www.augustana/edu/general-information/presidents-office/strategic-plan/augustana-2020-outline/task-force-two.
Based on our analysis of ideas submitted to date, we have identified six broad themes that our community suggested were priorities. These major themes will be discussed in community-wide meetings. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served at the meetings and we strongly encourage your participation.
Thursday, June 13 in the Wilson Center from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Articulating the advantages of a residential liberal arts college and strengthening the links between our pre-professional programs and the traditional liberal arts programs
Wednesday, June 26 in the Library 2nd floor from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Supporting learning for all students: Strengthening and investing in support services for Academic Achievement (Tutoring, Reading and Writing, Advising, Library, ESL, Learning Center)
Thursday, July 11 in the Wilson Center from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Strengthening the connections between the Augustana Experience and our Students' Future: New Interdisciplinary programs, networking outside the college, life and career goals/outcomes, and graduate school placement
Thursday, July 25 in the Hanson Science 2nd floor Atrium from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Integrating academics, advising, co-curricular activities and residential life: Focusing on student learning across boundaries
Thursday, Aug. 8 in the Wilson Center from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Building morale, well-being, and a healthy effective community. To fully address this theme you will be receiving a follow-up survey.
Thursday, August 15 in the Wilson Center from 2-3:30 p.m.
Theme: Liberal Arts in the 21st Century: Exploring the potential of new interdisciplinary programs that align with the mission and the times.
As you prepare to attend the first meeting we encourage you to do two things:
1. Read background material
a. The report prepared by task force one is important to our discussion of priorities. Their report focused on our competitive position, and included new ideas about "our competition." All information and resources compiled by task force one is available at http://www.augustana.edu/general-information/presidents-office/strategic-plan/augustana-2020-outline/task-force-one
b. In addition, here is another link to some helpful short articles http://www.augustana.edu/general-information/presidents-office/strategic-plan/augustana-2020-outline/task-force-two
2. Please consider in advance these discussion questions:
a. What are the most important benefits of residential liberal arts colleges? What are the "hidden" advantages of residential liberal arts colleges? Are there significant benefits that are often unremarked-upon or unreported?
b. Does our location make this experience "unique" or "different?"
c. What are some of the best examples of strong ties between our pre-professional programs and our liberal arts mission? What are some barriers to these ties?
While preparing for the meeting will be helpful, it is not a requirement for attendance and participation. Please attend as many of these sessions as possible, and add your voice to the discussions. For those who are unable to attend the June 13 meeting but would like to give us their feedback please click on the link https://www.research.net/s/TX9FBTM.
For those who are not able to attend other sessions, we will provide similar opportunities for feedback for each of the five major themes.
Thank you for your continued engagement in our strategic planning efforts!
Sincerely,
Pareena