November 22, 2019 – Introducing University-wide Goals and Upcoming Planning Sessions

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

As the campus moves into the implementation phase of the new Strategic Plan, I am excited to announce our first university-wide goals, two under each of our three strategic priorities: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Civic and Global Engagement; and Resilient and Sustainable Systems. In addition, I have appointed the following goal champions to co-lead cross-divisional teams for each of the six goals:

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Team co-leads: Kate McCarthy, Dean of Undergraduate Education, and Chela Mendoza-Patterson, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Interim Chief Diversity Officer

• Goal - Maximize the recruitment, retention, support and graduation of diverse students; and
• Goal - Eliminate achievement gaps by providing excellence in education and support to all students.

Civic and Global Engagement

Team co-leads: Ann Schulte, Director of Civic Engagement, and Sara Trechter, Interim Associate Vice President, International Education and Global Engagement

• Goal - Emphasize University-community partnerships that are collaborative, participatory, empowering, systemic, and transformative; and
• Goal - Broaden opportunities for civic and global engagement in our academic programs.

Resilient and Sustainable Systems

Team co-leads: Cheri Chastain, Sustainability Programs Manager, and Mike Guzzi, Associate Vice President, Facilities and Capital Projects

• Goal - Work to be climate neutral by 2030.

Team co-leads: Megan Kurtz, Camp Fire Campus and Community Liaison, and Eli Goodsell, Director of Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

• Goal - Recover and adapt to significant difficulties or challenges and recognize our responsibility to forge resiliency in the communities we serve.

While these six goals comprise our initial University-wide initiatives, divisions and units are encouraged to pursue and track additional goals that align with the three University strategic priorities. When considering additional goals to pursue, please incorporate one or more of our enduring commitments as outlined in the strategic plan. 

I invite you to join the Strategic Planning Core Team at information sessions taking place in December to continue the momentum and learn more about next steps. At these sessions we will discuss how to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound) and gather your ideas for advancing the university-wide goals. Sessions are:

• Monday, December 9, 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Colusa 100A
• Tuesday, December 10, 3:00-4:00 pm in Colusa 100A

I am grateful to the Strategic Planning Core Team and the goal champions for leading this effort. And, I encourage all of you to be involved as we proceed along our path to preeminence.