Highlighting and connecting the distinctive strengths that exist across the University of Minnesota, a proposed System-Wide Strategic Plan leverages these strengths to build a collective future.
The draft plan, based on input from nearly 1,000 University stakeholders, was reviewed by the Board of Regents at its meeting today.
“The University has already built a well-established and strong presence in the state, with resources across our system helping to sustain and develop Minnesota’s future,” said Board Chair Dean Johnson. “Through our five campuses, classroom-based and online programs, Extension efforts in every Minnesota county, Research and Outreach Centers, and many other initiatives, the University enriches communities across the state. The comprehensive and distributed nature of our system allows us to be greater than the sum of our parts.”
Grounded in the University’s tripartite mission, as well as its guiding principles, the System-Wide Strategic Plan outlines three strategic intentions: supporting the development of learners and leaders; facilitating scholarly research and creative work; and creating community partnerships. To implement these intentions, the plan details several recommendations including a new administrative structure, budgeting processes, enhanced communication to build awareness across all University units and a further commitment to inclusive excellence. Ensuring that the distinctiveness of each campus is planned, communicated and resourced is prioritized as well.
In Fall 2016, the University embarked on a system-wide strategic planning effort, with President Eric Kaler charging a committee to better align the institution’s resources and leverage its strengths as a system. Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Rebecca Ropers-Huilman and U of M Rochester Chancellor Stephen Lehmkuhle co-chaired the committee.
In June, the plan is expected to come before Regents for action.
Partnering with the state
University leaders continue to highlight the institution’s statewide impact at the Minnesota Legislature. With the current legislative session soon coming to a close, Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Brian Burnett and Vice President for University Relations Matt Kramer updated Regents on the status of the U of M’s request.
Currently, the Legislature is proposing to fund just $18.67 million of the University’s $147.2 million request.
“We will need a much greater investment than current legislative proposals to avoid the potential of tuition increases and programming cuts at all five campuses,” said Kramer. “This decision jeopardizes the University's impact across Minnesota and is disappointing not for the University, but for the entire state.”
Regents also reviewed the FY18 annual capital improvement budget, which authorizes projects totaling $391.9 million. The proposed budget includes the University’s full legislative request and will be updated in June to reflect the outcome of the current legislative session.
The Board also:
Endorsed its intent to negotiate new terms to improve outcomes of the M Health partnership among the University, UM Physicians and Fairview Health Services. This action includes notice of a non-renewal of the current agreement to make way for a new commitment that parties are working to complete by the end of September for formal consideration by the Board at its October meeting.
Acted on promotion and tenure recommendations for dozens of faculty system-wide. These faculty members represent some of the best and brightest teachers, researchers and scholars in the U of M system.
Approved the appointment of Mary Holz-Clause as chancellor of the University’s Crookston campus, Carol Strohecker as dean of the College of Design and Laura Bloomberg as dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for a two-year term.
Honored dozens of award winners from across the University who received the highest recognitions the institution offers.
Read the President’s report to the Board.
The Board will meet again June 8-9. For more information, including meeting times and locations, go to the Regents website.
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