UMD News Releases Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
August 31, 2011
Cheryl Reitan | Interim director | UMD Public Relations and Marketing | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu
Denny Falk | professor | Department of Social Work | 218 726-8862 | dfalk@d.umn.edu
UMD Strategic Plan Provides Focus for Upcoming Year
Chancellor Lendley C. "Lynn" Black will include the UMD Strategic Plan in his remarks at two welcoming celebrations this week. He will address 750 staff and faculty—the staff at a luncheon on Wednesday, August 31 and the faculty at a breakfast on Thursday, September 1. Both events will take place in the Kirby Ballroom. The media is invited to listen to his remarks, which will begin at approximately at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, and at approximately 8:15 am on Thursday.
The plan is based on the input from over 2,000 people from the university and the community, and will guide the university for the next five years. Black, who began his tenure as chancellor of UMD on August 1, 2010, initiated the planning process. "The plan provides a sharper focus on UMD's distinctive attributes and its niche among the best higher educational institutions of its type in the country," he said.
The plan articulates a refined mission, vision, statement of core values, and set of campus goals. The core values, which include learning, discovery, engagement, inclusiveness, sustainability, integrity, and excellence, serve as a guideline for UMD's decision making.
UMD took the planning process seriously, crafting not only goals, but action steps, many of which have already been initiated.
The plan sets UMD apart from other institutions. Specific phrases in the document reflect input received and pay tribute to UMD's roots as a land-grant and sea-grant institution. That designation refers to UMD's charge to protect natural resources as well as to educate Minnesota's citizens.
The new plan champions the opportunity to strengthen ties with Duluth and surrounding communities. It makes a commitment to diversity and to serve the educational needs of indigenous peoples.
It challenges UMD to strive for more accomplishments and achievements and to become a more global campus. One visionary message is to encourage living-learning communities, where students and faculty take instruction outside the classroom for more meaningful experiences.
Dennis Falk, professor in the Department of Social Work, led the 12-member executive team and the 35-member committee who worked on both plans.
"With leadership and support of Dr. Black, the committee invited comments from students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and the general public," said Falk.
Dr. Black acknowledged the value of the input received. "We were pleased that so many people participated in the process because the wide range of voices made the plan stronger. Dr. Falk and the steering committee did a fine job. They moved the process forward in a timely manner and produced quality work." The Strategic Planning Steering Committee recommended the Plan on April 11, the Campus Assembly endorsed it on April 26, and Chancellor Black approved it on May 3.
To view a copy of the UMD Strategic Plan, visit the web site
http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/
NOTE: An update to the page will be made on Wednesday, August 31.
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE FACULTY BREAKFAST, CHANCELLOR BLACK AND OTHER ADMINISTRATORS WILL ASSIST FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS WITH MOVING IN TO THE RESIDENCE HALLS. Chancellor Black will greet students in the circle in front of Lake Superior Hall.
University of Minnesota Campuses