FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 13, 2006
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine
724.738.4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Slippery Rock University launches strategic planning update initiative

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – A new era of strategic planning at Slippery Rock University kicked off Dec. 7 when a 42-member team met to receive its charge and to review its work schedule for updating the University’s strategic plan.

     Robert Smith, SRU president and chair of the committee, told the group that this planning process would be, “very different from the traditional approach we’ve taken in the past toward strategic planning in that it will build upon and embrace data and staff work already in place.”

     “Because of our continuous planning process, we have a rich, comprehensive set of data and several sophisticated planning documents that have already been completed, or that are under way, that we will use as the underpinning for this iteration of our strategic planning efforts,” Smith said. “It just doesn’t make any sense to repeat the work that’s already been done. Rather the strategic planning committee’s job will be to integrate and build upon these documents.”

     “The foundation of our work will come from the state system’s strategic planning document, the University’s current strategic plan, as well as its enrollment management plan; dining services plan; facilities master plan; diversity plan; information technology plan; and the Foundations of Excellence plan,” Smith said.

      “Our goals remain the same. We want to raise the value of a Slippery Rock University degree. We want to assert our presence as the premier public residential University. And, we want to control our own financial future. Through strategic planning, we hope to more effectively link resources to results,” Smith said.

     The strategic planning team is comprised of individuals representing all areas of the University including faculty, staff, students, alumni, the council of trustees and the Slippery Rock Foundation, Inc.

     According to Smith, the strategic planning committee will meet monthly and is expected to have the strategic plan updated by the end of May.

     Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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