10/24/11

St. Lawrence University Board of Trustees Approves Strategic Map

CANTON - A strategic map that will guide St. Lawrence University in enhancing its commitment to academic excellence and securing its financial future over the next decade was approved this weekend by the Board of Trustees at its fall meeting on campus.

"The St. Lawrence Promise: A Lifelong Experience of Thoughtfulness" is the result of a two-year collaborative review and planning process, including the work of task groups that examined costs and made recommendations for strengthening the University's position as a leading liberal arts institution in a challenging economy. During the summer, another group of more than 50 students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees met to develop a draft of the document, which was circulated for review and feedback before going to the board for consideration.

"Through this collaborative process, the University learned more about itself, about the state of higher education and about how St. Lawrence might reach even higher," President William L Fox said. "We affirmed that our community cares deeply about this University, its mission and the opportunity to make an even greater difference in the world.

"The strategic map provides the guide," Fox added. "Together, over the next several years, we will develop the landmarks and routes that will take us to our goals."

Specifically, the strategic map outlines six overarching goals that the University will pursue over the next several years:

- Advance an innovative and distinctive liberal arts curriculum that will empower students to engage their world by focusing on courses, programs and teaching that build on the University's commitment to reflective thinking and learning.
- Expand admissions' reach and enrollment to enhance good fit and advance the University's financial strength.
- Engage alumni more deeply to enrich University connections and expand all kinds of participation and support.
- Encourage a governance structure that engages faculty with students, staff and trustees in collaborative, creative and proactive stewardship.
- Foster a culture of strategic planning, assessment and communication.
- Launch a new master facilities plan to protect, develop and enrich the learning and living environment, and enhance the University's vision.

The next steps will include the formation of two or three work teams to develop stages of implementation with milestone points in a timeline. The strategic map, which is expected to be a "living document" that will change as needed, also will inform specific plans for campus development, communications and fundraising.

Strategic Map website