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Another important step in the evolution of Indiana University's Strategic Directions Charter (SDC) is being taken today (Nov. 14) with the submission of progress reports on SDC projects.
Although all of the projects that were approved for funding in Rounds 1 and 2 were designed to meet distinct needs and advance key university goals, some have enjoyed unprecedented success and others have encountered unforeseen difficulties. Because we need to identify the characteristics shared by successful projects and because we want to better understand the unexpected problems, we asked all project directors to complete assessments covering timelines, accomplishments and setbacks, and the value of extending a project beyond the initial funding period.
All 115 projects in the first two rounds were required to fulfill one or more of the 30 goals of the SDC. In so doing, they were seen as a way to have a real and lasting impact on IU. Thus, I am particularly interested in three questions on the survey: What effect has your project had on your department, school, campus and within the university generally? What success have you had in bringing your project to the attention of a wider audience within the university, your profession and the state, and what is your assessment of the possibility of sustaining your initiative when Strategic Directions funding runs out?
The reason that these are such compelling questions is that they speak to the heart of the charter, which is IU's road map into the future. Although IU is a great university, founded on a bedrock of excellence, creativity and outstanding faculty, staff and students, we needed to make some changes as we approached the 21st century. Our agent of change is the charter, but it will have its intended effect only if we can evaluate our progress to date and institutionalize that which is successful.
Two of the questions that I often hear about SDC are, "How has it changed IU, and how effective has it been in creating a climate for innovation?" This process will help us answer those questions while bringing everyone up to date on the funded proposals.
As we evaluate Rounds 1 and 2, we are also engaged in Round 3, the focus of which is academic excellence. I am looking forward to receiving the recommendations from the campus chancellors.
What's on your mind? E-mail President Brand at
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