Last week the Drafting and Integration Group (DIG) provided me with their draft of the Affirming Our Promises strategic plan. We have placed a copy of this draft on the Strategic Planning web page.
In view of our involvement in a significant global health emergency and after consultation with the Faculty Senate and University Council leadership, I am pausing the strategic planning process until such time as we have emerged from the current crisis. Here are the specific reasons:
1. We need much more information about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our current and projected financial situation.
2. We need to gather more information about the impact on the greater community resulting from this challenge and how that might affect their college plans.
3. Our faculty, contract professionals and staff are doing extraordinary and time-consuming work to deploy a complete online curriculum and take care of our students. That work will continue through the end of the semester and it is important we not dilute these efforts by applying an intensive, institution-wide process at this time.
I do encourage you to read the draft, which is a very thoughtful and forward-thinking design for University sustainability. When we restart the process, we will solicit feedback on this first draft.
The University community has demonstrated extraordinary resolve, skill and an optimistic spirit in dealing with this situation. I am extremely proud to be part of The University of Akron, especially now.
Thank you,
Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron