UIndy looks ahead with Vision 2030
A new strategic planning process for the future of the University of Indianapolis is unfolding since the arrival of President Robert Manuel.
This process, Vision 2030, is a new way for everyone at UIndy to take a critical look at where the school is now and where it should go as a whole.
Manuel said that the reason for this process is to stay competitive with other universities.
“Moments in life where we get to stand back and dream about the future are rare,” Manuel said. “It [Vision 2030] is a chance to really take a critical look at who we are as a university and who we would like to become for the future. The path we choose will be critical to remaining a great university.”
The process is set to begin this month. It is an opportunity to look at what is currently driving higher education forward and ensure that UIndy remains a distinctive entity for current and future students.
According to Manuel, Vision 2030 will involve two interwoven processes. One process requires thinking long term and the other, short term. Manuel said that both processes will need the input of the university as a whole.
“Each voice in this process is critical. And the involvement of not only the university, but the community as a whole, is crucial to the success of this process,” Manuel said. “It is impossible to understand one’s self without looking at other individuals who have been in similar situations.”
Assistant Professor of Management Terry Schindler will lead the Vision 2030 conversations. Over the coming months, he will talk with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as parents and community members.
“The overall goal of Vision 2030 is to gain input from all key stakeholders of UIndy,” Schindler said. “It [the process] involves looking from a market standpoint, as well as an academic standpoint, all with the question in mind: who do we serve as a university?”
Schindler led the first of these conversations with 51 alumni on Oct. 20, and the second on Oct. 22 with a group of 56 student leaders.
“The questions we want to answer are what, how much and by when?” Schindler said. “For example, the university may want a new liberal arts program that serves a certain amount of people by a specific date.”
According to Director of Alumni Relations Natalie Cummings, each voice, both new and old, will be critical to effectively producing Vision 2030.
“Alumni offer a wide range of perspectives to consider as the university develops its vision for the future. They help us understand the history and traditions that distinguish UIndy in the world of higher education and our graduates in the workplace and community,” Cummings said. “Their stories of academic and campus life, regardless of when they attended—when combined with those of current students—will help us retain the core of the UIndy experience.”
Task forces will be created and members representing all voices on campus appointed. The task forces will be co-chaired by vice presidents and deans in multiple areas of expertise.
All information coming out of the two processes will be directly filtered to a new Planning Commission headed by Manuel, which will consider long- and short-term priorities.
Campus conversation dates, as well as other announcements on the progress of Vision 2030, can be found on the MyUIndy web page and communicated by campus-wide email. Also, in the “Students” tab of the MyUIndy website is a new Strategic Planning 2012-13 channel that includes information including dates and times for Vision 2030 conversations. Individuals may sign up for these conversations by following instructions found there.
A document for public access will be released on the MyUIndy Students tab. This document is projected to be available in May or June of 2013.
There are two student conversations scheduled for Nov. 19 and Nov. 26 in UIndy Hall B & C. Additional sessions will be scheduled as sign ups increase.
