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Senate meeting February 13, 2017
Provost’s Report – Darrell Wheeler
Thanks to faculty, students and staff for their diligence during the recent weather related delays and cancelation. A very
special thank you to Facilities, Student Services and UPD for making our campus community safe and comfortable!
Strategic Planning
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Sincere thanks to all participating in the February 10th Expeditions. A very successful and important step in the
university strategic planning process. Thus far, we’ve seen robust and enthusiastic participation across the spectrum
of our constituencies.
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Next steps will include expeditions moving forward to frame and write-up key points from across the 10-expedition
areas.
Optimize the Experience for 21st Century Learners
Faculty development
Program innovation
Research that Matters (TITLE issue maybe)
Diversity and Inclusion
Engaging Locally and Globally
Internationalization
Brand, Identity, and Image
Infrastructure and Culture
Infrastructure and Resources
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We continue to move forward with a goal of having a plan ready for dissemination and implementation for fall 2017.
I thank everyone for their input and encourage everyone to continue reviewing updates and making comments on
line http://www.albany.edu/strategicplan/strategic.planning.documents.shtml
Keeping regular meetings and updates with Senate Executive and UPPC
Changes in the commencement for spring being finalized with units and we are gearing up for a very celebratory and great
set of events to honor and “launch” our graduates this spring. More information forth coming.
Dean’s Searches
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CEHC – Dr. Robert Griffin coming in July 2017
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SoB in process and hope to have short-list candidates interviewing very soon
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SPH solicitation for a search firm moving
I’ve had the great opportunity to meet with colleagues in Rockefeller and SPH to explore insights and key opportunities for
new deans. These learning and listening events are crucial for me and I hope helpful to those participating. Last semester I
met with all deans to explore their units’ aspirations and planning.
Speaking of planning, I along with Sandra Starke, Kevin Williams and Kim Bessette will be meeting with Dean’s to do
2017/18 enrollment and budget planning. Also will be doing MOUs from the 20/20 plans. This toward increased efficiencies
and planning purposes that enable us to monitor and evaluate the allocation and impacts of resources.
The issue of resources is a key theme for any Provost and no exception here – stewardship in relation to the management,
oversight and allocation in ways that provide consistency, transparency and sufficient flexibility to meet goals.
Finally, reflecting as I do at times here, the issues of mission and values especially as we do strategic planning are recurrent
for me. Joe Brennan, our VP for Marketing and Communications, has done a fantastic job in amassing data in this area.
Some of this has been shared with deans and other leaders, and more will be shared broadly. I just want to highlight
something that I believe is crucial, and that I will be asking of deans and others – articulating and advancing our collective
impacts and Excellence in teaching, scholarship, creative outputs and service.
