April 1, 2005

President Wilson convened the ninth SPSC meeting of the Spring 2005 semester at 2:30 p.m. The Committee turned immediately to a review of the open forums on proposed strategic goals that had been held over the last couple of days. A comparison of counts by several SPSC members confirmed a combined attendance of about 50 community members, plus the SPSC. Faculty, staff, and students were represented and spoke at both sessions.

The SPSC briefly reviewed the major themes and/or questions raised at the forums. Members agreed that there appeared to be general support for the five goals proposed, as long as the planning process continues to guarantee that progress is possible in key areas not singled out as separate goals (in particular, environmental sustainability, internationalizing the campus, information technology, and physical resources). The SPSC reaffirmed its intention to encourage work group participation by faculty, staff, and students with a special commitment to these four areas.

Members also offered more specific observations about what they had heard with regard to three of the proposed goals. Some attendees at the forums sought reassurance that the “Identity” goal is not intended to reopen a conversation about the existence of professional programs, but rather to explore ways in which intellectual and creative connections among the liberal arts and professional programs can be strengthened to the benefit of the community. Colleagues also sought reassurance that the aim of the “Identity” goal is not merely to create a marketing campaign, but instead to clarify and deepen the community’s understanding of the University’s distinctive mission and vision so that faculty, staff, and students can conduct their work more satisfyingly and effectively. Because the intent of the proposed “Identity” goal is neither to change the fundamental nature of Illinois Wesleyan nor to engage the community in a public relations exercise, it is easy for the SPSC to provide those reassurances.

With regard to the “Teaching and Learning” goal, the SPSC agreed to add “social justice” to the list of curricular areas that are embedded in the University’s mission statement but that have not been fully integrated into the curriculum. Finally, at both forums, making progress on the “Financial Resources” goal was noted as crucial to achieving all other goals. The SPSC agrees with this point, but also recognizes that overall progress is not solely dependent on finances. For example, some progress can be made in some areas as a result of developing new policies and practices or changing existing ones.

The Committee then engaged in a conversation about steps it must undertake (developing a selection process for members, preparing charges, assembling materials, establishing a schedule, etc.) before work groups can be formed to suggest strategies for addressing each goal. Members agreed to continue this discussion at the SPSC’s next meeting on April 15.

Distributed to all faculty and staff: April 15, 2005