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Members of the university community posed questions and offered feedback on a draft version of the university’s proposed Worlds Ahead strategic plan at an open forum Sept. 29. The plan, which proposes university-wide goals and actions for the next five years, will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December 2010.
Faculty and staff discussed their concerns about the university's proposed strategic plan at the Sept. 30 forum.
“Where are we going and how will we get there? These are pivotal questions for FIU,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “FIU plays a critical role in this community. There is a large demand for our services, and we have an incredible opportunity to get this right.”
Provost Douglas Wartzok, who is leading the initiative, presented several possible mission and vision statements. He also went over the proposed goals. The audience spent approximately half of the one-hour forum offering their input. Before turning over the program to the audience, Wartzok reminded them, “We want to know what’s missing.”
Amado Gonzalez from the College of Engineering and Computing said he was concerned that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) was not a “pillar,” or strategic strength, identified by the university. Those pillars are the arts, environment, globalization and health. The provost said STEM was integrated across most of the themes but acknowledged that Gonzalez’s point was well taken. “We’re clearly concerned about it, but perhaps we can be more explicit in the documents with regards to STEM.”
History professor Brian Peterson raised questions about the proposed vision statements and urged committee members to pay careful attention to the wording used. “To call ourselves ‘learning centered’ or ‘student centered’ feeds into the perception of others around the state that we are not a research university,” said Peterson. “That could hurt us when it comes time to secure funding.”
A professor in the College of Business Administration said the plan was well written, well thought out, but lacked “soul and heart.” Wartzok encouraged her to follow up in an email with specifics. “We want to makes sure that the words there reflect the particular influences that students will find at FIU.”
David Chatfield, chair of chemistry and biochemistry, pointed out that the creation of new knowledge was mentioned in the mission yet there is no proposed goal built on the creation of new knowledge. Good point, said the provost.
At the conclusion of the forum, the president addressed the crowd once more. He thanked them, saying their efforts “will pay off for the university and for this community.” He also reminded them of the purpose of the exercise.
“If a strategic plan has got something in there for everybody, than it’s not very strategic,” said Rosenberg. “Having said that, I will also say that the plan is not intended to imply that if you’re not mentioned than you’re excluded.
“I like to think we’re still young enough and flexible enough as a university that if you can make the case for a great initiative, we will find a way to make it happen,” he continued. “But a strategic plan forces us to focus.”
The proposed draft is the work of seven committees appointed by the provost and president. All of the committees have representation from faculty, staff, students and community members. Three committees focused on foundations for success at FIU: Finance, Infrastructure, and Student Success. Four committees focused on collaborative content areas in which FIU has strategic strengths: Arts, Environment, Globalization, and Health.
This past summer, each of these committees submitted a draft report to the provost, who was then tasked with creating an institutional strategic plan based on the work of the seven committees.
To review the draft plan, click here to visit the Strategic Planning website. To view the webcast and presentation from today’s forum, click here.
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I support MBR's strategy because I know he is working hard to improve our university; however, it bothers me to know that FIU prides itself on being "student-focused" yet students don't seem to be the number one priority in every educational unit. For example, I had a great experience in the School of Journalism and never had an issue with any professor or class. My boyfriend, on the other hand, has had issues with the College of Engineering since day one. They don't offer the classes he needs in order to graduate; he's been placed on waiting lists since freshman year in order to accomodate graduating seniors, yet he isn't given the same respect his senior year; professors give only two exams throughout the semester (midterm and final) with only two questions, one which counts more than the other, and don't offer enough tutoring for those working students struggling to maintain a good grade in the course. Unfortunately it is not a shock that so many students retake classes at the Engineering school because of this, which makes them fall behind in their academic career. It is a shame the school has not stepped it up. I have sat in numerous engineering courses with my boyfriend and I've noticed that instead of helping students succeed, these professors are making it difficult for their students and don't show that they even care to help. I hope this issue is addressed in the near future.
"Stressed Student" I hear your concerns. Please direct your concerns to our "Office of Student Access and Success", they are here to help. The mission of the OSAS is to provide prospective and current students of the College of Engineering and Computing with value chain opportunities and services that will enhance their academic experiences and increase their rate of success in the school and their future careers. The Office will support the College through recruitment, retention and enrichment programs, such as mentorship, undergraduate research opportunities, peer-to-peer tutoring, internship, and pre-college outreach activities. http://www.osas.fiu.edu/
Hope this helps, and we want to make your experience at the college of Engineering and Computing rewarding and successful.
Respectfully yours,
Amado Gonzalez
Engineering and Computing
Thank you! I will have my boyfriend look into it. I appreciate your help 🙂
In regard to " stressed student", we ( the Office of Student Access and Success) are here to address student issues to help them succeed and enjoy their academic life at the FIU. We have the new advising center, we have a dedicated career services person, Carolyn Meeker and we have free tutoring 5 days a week , 8 hours a day in the faculty ounge in the PAnther Pit. In regard to scheduling classes I admit we can improve in this area. In our defense, unlike other majors the engineering curriculum is sequential and that is always reinforced by us having the ABET accreditation.That makes scheduling more difficult.
Currently all of the college schedulers will be meeting with Space and ascheduling and the provost this week to work on an improved method and process of assigning courses, space and schedules.
We appreciate the communication.