Second draft of strategic plan revision released for public comment

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The second draft of Western Michigan University's revised strategic plan for 2016-20 is available at wmich.edu/strategic for review by WMU students, employees, alumni and other stakeholders.

An additional open forum has been set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, in the Bernhard Center so those interested can provide input on the draft as well as ask questions about the document.

The forum is the last in a series of public opportunities WMU stakeholders have to react to the revisions being made as the University transitions from its inaugural three-year 2012-15 strategic plan to a five-year 2016-20 strategic plan.

Revision update

The document reflects input that has been gathered through 31 forums held during February and March for individual units and organizations across campus, plus additional comments that have been received online and through other input mechanisms.

The first draft presented priority objectives and strategies that addressed information gathered by the University Strategic Plan 2020 Transition Team through a December 2015 stakeholder survey and review of 2014-15 strategic planning reports.

The second draft refines the plan's wording and reorganizes some of the previous information as well as includes new information.

"The many discussions and specific suggestions provided by the 400-plus participants in our forums have helped the transition team consider new strategies and improve wording to be more inclusive of the University community," says Jody Brylinsky, associate provost for institutional effectiveness.

Providing input

All students and employees are encouraged to review the second draft, discuss it with colleagues and provide feedback.

In addition to comments and suggestions being welcomed at the March 2 open forum, input is being accepted until Tuesday, March 15, through the online feedback form on the strategic planning website at wmich.edu/strategic and by contacting Brylinsky at jody.brylinsky@wmich.edu.

A final version of the new 2016-20 University Strategic Plan will be presented to the WMU Board of Trustees in late March for its consideration.

For more information, visit the the strategic planning website.

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