Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to provide an update on some important initiatives and ongoing work taking place across the University related to our strategic plan.
Strategic Planning Retreat – Over the summer, the Strategic Planning Committee came together for its second annual retreat. The focus was on the development and continued monitoring of metrics that best capture what successful achievement is for each of the Outstanding Success Possibilities (OSPs). Committee members reviewed examples of how other institutions measure the impact and progress of their strategic plans.
New Brand Campaign – We are in the process of launching a new brand campaign, Power On. This campaign, which was created based on the input of individuals across the University and a significant amount of research, was developed in collaboration with DiGo, a global creative agency based in Manhattan that has worked with such recognizable brands as Samsung, HelloFresh, Pfizer, and CVS, among many others. This brand is being incorporated in all enrollment and institutional related marketing materials, including our viewbook, the website, digital ads, and campus signage, etc. An event is being planned for later this fall that will celebrate the official launch of the brand.
Redesigned Enhanced Learning Communities (ELCs) – Our Enhanced Learning Community (ELC) program for first-year students was redesigned and launched for the start of the fall semester in August. Five themed communities are in place for the 2023-24 academic year. Diagnostic surveys are being developed in Navigate to help track academic and social performance of students in ELCs to capture the impact of ELCs and their role in student satisfaction and success, sense of belonging, and retention.
New Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program – RecognizeU, a new peer-to-peer recognition program, was launched last month that enables employees to recognize the outstanding contributions of their colleagues. This will serve to foster a culture of appreciation and collaboration across the University community.
External Relations Council Targets Collaboration Opportunities – Five organizations, including Avangrid, FactSet, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin, and RBC Bearings, received new outreach from the External Relations Council. Each participated in the Career Expo last month. The External Relations Council is continuing its outreach efforts to companies and organizations to build affiliations and collaborations that support new educational opportunities and post-graduation opportunities for students.
Program Review Reports – We have nearly completed the pilot of the revised Periodic Program Review process. Work continues in reviewing the self-studies for programs participating in Academic Year 2023. Thank you to the faculty in Exercise Science, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Biology, Genetics & Biotechnology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology for participating in the pilot year.
Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the work of our strategic plan. Your efforts are making an important impact on the University and the educational experience of our students – now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Nancy Ortins Savage, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs