Strategic Planning 2012-2013

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff on completing another fall term.  In addition to the completion of the fall semester’s activities, there have been notable accomplishments in support of strategic planning at the institution. During this past semester, much time and energy has been spent furthering the University’s strategy.

A significant accomplishment has been the revision of the common business core in the School of Business Administration. The school has worked diligently over the past year researching competitive business school programs, interviewing students, and talking with employers. The objective was to revise the business core so that the curriculum meets the needs of the contemporary workplace. The revision eliminates several courses, consolidates two business math courses, and adds several new required core courses. Dr. Barry Dickinson, Dean of the School of Business Administration, notes that “This important curricular enhancement is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and vision of the business faculty. The revision provides our students with a stronger footing in key business concepts including business law, international business, project management, and information systems. Our program requirements now more accurately reflect the needs of employers.”  

Another significant realization is the announcement by the Division of Development and Alumni of 15 new student scholarships to be awarded for the first time in the 2013-2014 academic year.  These new scholarships continue a trend of growth in student aid from external sources. 

In addition to facilitating the current strategies, the Institutional Planning Office, in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, continues to advance the framework of the Balanced Scorecard Strategic Planning and Performance Management System.  We continue to work on planning and assessment activities so that the framework for prioritizing programs and projects is firmly in place. 

As I write this letter sharing the University’s most recent accomplishments, I have observed that much of what we do is a moving target.  As much as we accomplish, there is always more that that needs to be done. Being able to identify and respond to external challenges and changing needs, and to also identify new opportunities for growth, will continue to allow the university to survive and prosper. 

In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our faculty and staff members for all that you do in helping the university stay true to our Mission and Core Values and achieve our Vision. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Galardi
Executive Director, Newtown and Institutional Planning