01.14.2013

Colleagues:

I am writing to update you on activity related to the implementation of our University strategic plan, approved in Spring 2012 by the LMU Board of Trustees.  As you know, our plan was developed by challenging all of us to look forward with eyes open and to articulate the role of the University in “forming leaders who will transform the world.”  Our mission is clear, our vision is well-articulated, and we are sharing the responsibility for implementation.  

To date, much work has been guided by this plan—shaping the new undergraduate Core curriculum (which will launch next fall), re-deployment of full-time faculty to teach more lower division courses, creation of the new CASA study-abroad program, planning the upcoming graduate education summit, and enhancing our emphasis on data access and evaluation of University efficiency and effectiveness, to name just a few.  Throughout this time, unit-level planning has been underway in colleges, schools, and other units to ensure that our comprehensive University strategic plan is implemented throughout LMU.  I look forward to receiving updates on unit-level planning by the end of January and final drafts of the unit-level plans by the beginning of March.  I commend you and thank you for undertaking the challenging task of prioritizing your activities, creating specific goals, objectives, and actions—activities whose effects can be measured and assessed—and for your commitment to the ongoing task of prioritizing academic and other programs, activities, and opportunities.

While we should reflect on our efforts to date with much pride, there is still much to do.  Over the next few weeks, I will be announcing the formation of several small groups to provide additional guidance on several dimensions of our strategic plan that demand coordination across individual units.  These dimensions include:

•    International travel experiences for students,
•    Preparing students for career pathways and for success in other post-graduate activities, including the role of the academic curriculum and the effective integration of career pathway preparation across divisions of the university, and
•    Prioritization of undergraduate and graduate programs as well as other academic support programs with respect to their impact and effectiveness as we look ahead to the next decade.

These groups will be tasked with collecting and assessing relevant information, assessing external forces, and providing recommendations on the next steps, and to do so in a timely fashion.  I will keep you informed as these groups are formed and as specific charges and timelines are created.  In the meantime, parallel requests to address these important dimensions are being made to the individual colleges, schools, and other units (through the Deans and Senior Vice Presidents).  Your help and cooperation will be essential to addressing them in a timely fashion.

Once again, I thank you for all you have done and will do for our students and I offer my best wishes for a productive semester.

Sincerely,

Joseph B. Hellige
Executive Vice President and Provost