A committee of faculty and administrators, appointed this fall by President Patrick Harker to examine the current capabilities of the University and define its priorities for the future, is gathering ideas and suggestions from numerous diverse groups.

“The goal is to have an ongoing conversation that engages the University’s different stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, community members and state leadership, in where UD needs to be headed,” Harker said in announcing the formation of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Currently, the University is on the cusp of true national and international prominence, with excellent faculty, staff and students and a top-notch campus, Harker says.

“I think we’re an undervalued asset,” he says. “We don’t brag enough about what we’re accomplishing.”
Calling this initiative the “most important project of the year ahead,” Harker says the committee has been asked to consider any and all ideas about what the University could become and then “narrow them down to the handful of things that will allow UD to move rapidly ahead.”

Initial recommendations are to be provided to Harker in January, with final results around the end of March. Plans call for a University of Delaware Forum to be held in May to review the results.

The committee, which began meeting in July, is co-chaired by Mark Barteau, Robert L. Pigford Chair of Chemical Engineering and former chairperson of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Debra Hess Norris, Henry Francis du Pont Chair in Fine Arts, chairperson of the Department of Art Conservation and associate dean for social sciences and history in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“As of late October, the Strategic Planning Committee has facilitated 78 meetings with constituent groups ranging from undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, to alumni and community and educational leaders,” Norris says, adding that the group will continue meeting through December.

“These enormously helpful discussions and e-mail feedback have identified many exciting strategic initiatives for the University that our committee will continue to examine and consider.”

Barteau says the suggestions received have been valuable and varied.

“One thing that comes through very clearly is the depth of feeling that we share for this University,” he says. “Whether they propose bold new initiatives or offer constructive criticism, it is inspiring to hear from so many who are so committed to advancing the University of Delaware. I have no doubt that this process will do just that.”

Barteau and Norris say they particularly welcome input from alumni. To participate, visit [www.udel.edu/strategicplanning].