GRAND FORKS — UNO's Strategic Planning Committee released its draft 2022 Strategic Plan, which outlines the university's goals and vision for the coming year, to an audience at Memorial Union on Thursday.
The project, which will be reviewed after a week of public comments that ended Oct. 20, was the result of an unprecedented collaboration between students, faculty, staff and alumni, according to Melony Linder, UNO's vice president of marketing and communications.
"The effort to put together this strategic plan was one of the most collaborative I've ever seen," Linder said. “There was a deep commitment to engaging a wide range of participants. Although the process was time-consuming, it was extremely rewarding."
The program consists of five initiatives.
- a sense of wonder;
- love of discoveries;
- Obligation to serve;
- integrated advantage;
- and equality and culture of belonging.
Seven task forces were tasked with conducting research and surveying the campus population to determine the ideal direction in which the United Nations should take action to implement these initiatives.
According to Linder, the focus groups consisted of approximately 200 students, staff, faculty and alumni who were called by volunteers. Participation was not limited to those physically present on the UN campus.
"The response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive," Linder said. "We had alumni from all over the country participating via Zoom."
A panel of task force leaders offered their vision as well as examples of success for each of the program's initiatives.
A "sense of wonder" refers to UND students' ability not only to think critically and innovatively, but also to apply their knowledge to real-world applications.
"We want our students to be inspired by what they learn and, perhaps more importantly, what their UND education will enable them to do," said Ryan Zier, who introduced the initiative.
Anna Kinney, coordinator of the UN writing program and committee member responsible for the Sense of Wonder segment, cited examples of hands-on learning, such as multiple internships and practicums for students, as well as a new program implemented to help Native American students. to succeed in nursing. school .
Associate Professor of English Patrick Henry says UND's hallmark is its commitment to a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, research and free expression. He also said his committee's theme of "Discovering Love" is evident in the collaboration between faculty such as the College of Mining Engineering's John D.
Speaking on the theme of "Commitment to Serve," UND Director of Individual Student Groups Angie Carpenter said UND is committed to serving both its students and the community. This is evidenced by the UND Center for Energy and Environmental Studies' focus on energy research and development, an initiative called Partnership for Hope, which helps veterans and LGBTQ people in western North Dakota prevent suicide. According to Carpenter, UND is also steadfast in its commitment to the military through programs such as Vets to Wings, a $2.5 million FAA grant to help fund veterans' flight training and reduce the growing pilot shortage.
Inclusive excellence, equity and a culture of belonging affirm that all UND employees and students should feel welcome and have access to the same tools to succeed.
"Because we know that our people are the true engine of our excellence, UND will strive to create an environment of equal opportunity for our students, staff and alumni," said Aaron Flynn, Memorial Union's associate director of facilities and operations.
Flynn cited ongoing programs such as the UND Alice Clark Mentor Program, which brings together newly admitted faculty to discuss topics such as pedagogy, diversity and inclusion, according to the program's website, as a commitment to creating an inclusive work and learning environment. The first UN Conference on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, held October 5-6, was cited as an example of UN's commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body.
UNO's Strategic Planning Committee will accept comments through October 20, which can be submitted through the university's website. The commission will then meet to incorporate those comments into a final draft it hopes to present to UN chief Andrew Armacost in December.
The final version of the UN strategic plan will be published on January 20.
