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Scenes from Faculty Senate

Joint Strategic Planning Committee

Thursday, October 4, 2007

9:00am - 10:55am

President's Conference Room, Green Hall

Attendance: Robert Carothers, Tom Dougan, Bob Beagle, Jim Miller, Celest Martin, Laura Beauvais, Barbara Costello, David Fastovsky, Dana Kovarsky, Joanne DiBello, Neil Leston, Abu Bakr, Ann Morrissey. Guests: Judy Beckman, Mark Higgins, Cliff Katz and Vern Wyman.

Student Senate Updates: Student Senate President Leston reported on the new Town of Narragansett ordinance with regard to "unruly gatherings." He explained the ordinance and the Student Senate's objections and responded to questions about the Student Senate's plans to respond to the ordinance.

URI Visitor Experience: Senate Chair Miller raised concerns about how visitors to campus, especially parents on "move-in day," are treated and the kind of impression it gives about the University.

Vice President Beagle announced that his division was now responsible for various aspects of visitor issues, including visitor parking, signage, and the information booth on Upper College Road. He then reported on his division efforts to make these aspects of the visitor experience smoother and more pleasant. During discussion a number of suggestions were made for improvements from parents' perspectives on "move-in day."

NEASC Updates and projections follow-up: Professor Beckman shared with the JSPC a worksheet outlining efforts and a general timeline for meeting goals based on the NEASC Standards.

The JSPC reviewed the materials presented and discussed the committee's responsibilities with regard to monitoring the University's effectiveness in meeting its goals overseeing continuous improvement.

Following discussion, it was agreed that rather than look at individual standards, it might be more effective to view the NEASC standards in light of the strategic plan and conversely keeping the standards in mind as aspects of the strategic plan are addressed.

Progress During Year 1 of the Strategic Plan: Vice President Beagle, Mr. Wyman and Assistant Provost Katz reported on the progress within each of their divisions in activities in implementing the strategic plan.

Next Meeting's Agenda: Following discussion, it was agreed that the Capital Campaign and the Branding Initiative would be the main items for JSPC consideration on November 1.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.