To SRU faculty and staff,
Today is an important milestone in where we are going as a University and the progress we are making together. As many of you know, we are in the midst of developing a new strategic plan. This process, which started in spring 2021, has involved many contributions and thoughtful work from the campus community. We are so fortunate to have such an engaged and patient community. I want to personally thank you for all of your work.
I’m excited to announce the plan, titled “Slippery Rock University, The First Choice,” is now available on the SRU Strategic Planning webpage. I invite you to read the narrative and matrix related to the plan’s four pillars:
- #1 Commitment to a Robust, Supportive, and Inclusive Culture.
- #2 Commitment to Academic Discovery and Human Growth.
- #3 Commitment to Community Impact and Collaboration.
- #4 Commitment to Financial Sustainability and Resource Stewardship.
This has gone through several edits. We tried our best to get everyone’s thoughts and priorities into the narrative and the matrix. Words have been changed and rearranged, but the content has remained focused on the work of the initial planning groups. It is important to note that there are some specific ideas that have already been initiated. These “action items” will be included in the expanded implementation framework. This is important work and has not been ignored or forgotten. We just wanted to provide the basic matrix for the purposes of the website launch.
Working Groups
Today’s announcement means that we have officially entered the implementation phase of the strategic planning process. There is more work to be done and more opportunities for you to contribute to our shared goals.
We need your help identifying and developing action items to make the strategic plan effective. I invite you to sign up for one of the working groups related to each of the four pillars by completing this online form.
Assembly is April 16
More information about the strategic plan and working groups will be shared at the Spring Assembly and Town Hall, 12:30-1:30 p.m., April 16, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. A Zoom option is available by registering online.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this strategic plan. It is a representation of the direction we are going as an organization and a reflection of your commitment to SRU and our mission. The names of all contributors are too numerous to mention and thank in this message, but I want to call attention to the work of the following people:
- Michelle Amodei, associate professor of elementary education and early childhood, and John Rindy, assistant vice president for career and academic progress, who are the co-chairs of the University Strategic Planning Steering Committee.
- Danette DiMarco, professor of literatures, languages, cultures, and writing, who edited the plan to make it one consistent voice.
- Doris Short, assistant professor of art, who, along with her students, developed visual aids and other graphics about the plan.
Without their guidance and leadership, we would not arrive at this important stage.
This is a great day for SRU and I’m eager to see what we will achieve together in the coming months backed by the framework of our new strategic plan.
Sincerely,
Karen Riley
SRU President
