Skip to main content
Scenes from Faculty Senate

Joint Strategic Planning Committee

Thursday, February 15, 2006

2:05 - 2:55 p.m.

President's Conference Room, Green Hall

Attendance:Robert Carothers, M. Beverly Swan, Tom Dougan, Robert Weygand, Michael Rice, Barbara Luebke, Jim Kinnie, Jim Kowalski, Jim Miller, Dayle Joseph, Domingo Morel, Abu Bakr. Guests: Linda Acciardo, and Vincent Wilczynski.

Announcements: There were no announcements at that time.

Minutes: he Minutes of the December 21, 2006 Meeting of the JSPC were approved.

NEASC Update: Senator Kowalski reported on the progress of the NEASC Self-Study. He noted that every one of the NEASC Standards raised a question about monitoring "institutional effectiveness." He suggested that the JSPC might be the appropriate group to be given officially the responsibility for oversight of institutional effectiveness. Discussion ensued and Senator Kowalski responded to questions from members of the committee.

Administration Division Strategic Plan: Vice President Weygand reviewed with the JSPC progress of the Department of Administration toward meeting the goals of the strategic plan. He said that his department's role on initiative #1, Enhance student recruitment, retention, involvement and graduation rates was in regard to the physical plant of the University, the capital and asset protection improvements undertaken through business services, and changes in parking policies. With regard to initiatives #2 and #3, Vice President Weygand reported on efforts to improve the fiscal health of the University and create a more inclusive environment thorough personnel and hiring practices.

Vice President Weygand reported on efforts to improve research purchasing through the board and the legislature as the Department of Administration's efforts with regard to initiative #4, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research and outreach support.

Governor's Budget Update: President Carothers and Vice President Weygand reported on the difficulties the University was having in clarifying some of the details in the governor's budget and were working with the Governor's staff to clarify some of the more puzzling aspects of the proposed budget.

Central Falls Partnership: President Carothers noted that University Academy at Central Falls High School was a working title for the project and that a small working group was in the process of learning what the University can do to support the students, faculty and administration of Central Falls High School. He noted that URI has already been involved with many initiatives and its role is to serve as consultants by helping with grant writing and assisting Central Falls High School improve student learning and achieve stability. He said that URI's faculty would not be involved in the day-today running of Central Falls High School or teaching students.

Meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.