Strategic Planning - Dean's Announcement

I am very pleased to share our College of Arts and Sciences 2017-21 Strategic Plan. The planning process began in early fall 2016 with the selection of a strategic planning committee chosen to represent the diverse constituents of our campus community: alumni, students, staff, faculty and administration. The planning committee participated in a series of sessions with expert facilitator Peter Dams of Dams & Associates. We began by articulating the mission and guiding principles of our college and developing a vision for our future. We then carefully considered the barriers that prevent us from achieving our vision and developed specific strategies to overcome them. In a series of open town hall meetings, members of the campus community were invited to comment on, and contribute to, our draft strategic plan. I extend my sincerest thanks to the planning committee for their dedicated efforts to craft an exceptional strategic plan for our college.

These are challenging times for the higher education community, and particularly for colleges of arts and sciences. Declining or stagnant state support, increasing costs of attendance, shifting demographics and the perceived value of a ‘liberal education’ all have a major impact on our community. I have tremendous confidence that we have the commitment and talent to overcome all of these challenges and achieve our vision: excellence in all aspects of learning and discovery across the humanities, social sciences and sciences while fostering a climate of intellectual freedom, diversity and inclusion.

I have found the strategic planning process to be engaging, educational and even inspiring. I am certain that we will excel by continuing to think broadly, creatively and critically, and by striving to confront challenges with resilience and hope. I look forward to working together with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carla M. Koretsky
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences