Strategic planning efforts for the university took another step forward Monday when members of the St. Thomas community offered feedback on draft themes.
The feedback session was part of President Julie Sullivan’s series of brown bag luncheons. Participants expressed overall support for the draft, while offering minor feedback on the Proposal for Strategic Planning Goals, which outlines what the Strategic Planning Steering Committee hopes to achieve.
The proposal lists seven goals, under the headings “One University,” “Excellence in Learning and Student Engagement,” “Excellence in Teaching and Professional Engagement,” “Catholic Mission,” “Diversity and Inclusive Culture,” “Globalization” and “Operational Excellence.”
The introduction to the document reads, in part, “The Strategic Planning Steering Committee is committed to the preservation and development of the identity of the University of St. Thomas as a united community seeking to fulfill the mission that unifies it.”
Corrine Carvalho and Michael Cogan, co-chairs of the 16-person steering committee in charge of strategic planning, facilitated the discussion.
The luncheon comes after a new working vision statement was released Feb. 3. The statement, which has been in the works for several months, is being used to guide the steering committee.
In a previous interview, Executive Assistant to the President Susan Alexander said the strategic plan should be finalized by next December.
Matthew Wash, an IRT employee, said he appreciated the chance to be part of the discussion.
“It was a great opportunity for the university to review the strategic planning goals, have a chance to offer feedback on what’s been drawn up,” Wash said. “Having a group of constituents … you’ll be able to see it through your lens and be able to ask questions, offer comments and allow that process to improve.”
The committee will hold another luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 20.
“It will be very similar to this one, but we want to have more than one time frame available because some people can’t come to this particular meeting,” Sullivan said.
Grace Pastoor can be reached at past6138@stthomas.edu.