Academic plan consultations ongoing
During February and early March, public consultations on Concordia’s new academic plan were held across the university to gather input on the document that will guide Concordia’s academic mission for the next three years.
In addition to three Open to Question sessions, discussions were held at Faculty Council meetings, with the libraries and in the School of Extended Learning.
The process, led by Provost David Graham, hinges on the input of Concordia community members on the draft document, released February 2.
So far, reaction has been generally positive.
A recurring topic in many consultations was funding for the six objectives set out in the plan. To address the concern, the Provost released a planning grid (available on the Provost’s website) with proposed budgets, responsibilities and targets for each objective and action.
He also states that Chief Financial Officer Patrick Kelley has allocated $11.5 million over three years to implement the initiatives flowing from the plan.
Another point raised during the consultation process was the concern that the plan’s mention of resourcing Concordia’s signature areas, the fields of research or study in which we excel, could potentially leave other programs and areas behind.
The result, Graham iterated, would be the opposite. Using the adage that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” the Provost explained that building on signature areas aims to strengthen Concordia’s status, reputation and power to attract top faculty and students. In turn, this will provide additional support for programs across the university.
Continuing the discussion
While the consultations often served as forums for face-to-face dialogue, the Provost’s website offers an online discussion board to continue the conversation.
The website is also the perfect place to propose ideas for the plan’s Objective X, the as-yet undetermined “visionary and potentially transformative” goal as determined through dialogue.
“It’s intended to signal an openness,” says academic policy and planning analyst Jason Ens, who is moderating the online discussion. “People may have great ideas that haven’t floated to the top.”
The new plan will likely go to Senate for initial discussion in March, with a refined version returning the next month to be endorsed. After Senate approval, the plan will be brought to the Board of Governors, ideally in May or June.
To view all documents, read notes of discussions from all consultations, and contribute to the discussion, visit the Provost's website. (Look for the Academic Planning Process box in the bottom right).
Related Links:
• Comment on the academic plan
• Listen to all the Open to Question podcasts
• Concordia Office of the Provost
• "Wide consultation on academic plan begins" – Concordia Journal, Feb. 14, 2011