Strategic Planning Committee Minutes, September 13, 2002

Strategic Planning Committee Minutes
September 13, 2002

MEMBERS PRESENT: : Bruce Morton, Jaynee Groseth, Bill Brown, Mary Noll, Mark Sheehan, Jon Wraith, Betsy Centa.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Johnson, Kay Chafey, ASMSU rep.

OTHERS PRESENT: Ben Sharp, Jim Rimpau.

The meeting, chaired by Bruce Morton, convened at 3 PM.

Draft 3 of the "Capacity for Growth" document was the topic of discussion.

It was suggested the document recommend limited growth, in strategic areas. It was also suggested that a statement be made that MSU's traditional schedule of classes is at near-capacity, as is the infrastructure, but the university should consider aggressively providing and promoting opportunities during evenings, week-ends, and summers, as resources allow. Distance learning opportunities need to continue to be explored.

Quality of the university experience is desirable over the quantity of students. Higher academic standards would attract additional good students. The university's reputation and available scholarships work together to attract students. If retention is improved, MSU will grow. Evening classes would alleviate some crowding during the day but probably would not increase overall enrollment.

There was agreement that a specific goal should not be to grow or not to grow. The goal should be to strengthen MSU in a variety of ways and not be as concerned about a specific number of students.

There is concern for growth without the resources to provide for it. Concern was also expressed that resources coming into the university because of growth aren't put back into infrastructure.

Montana is not growing in population, so growth in the university system does not make sense, necessarily.

It was suggested the idea of promoting summer school as a way to increase enrollment be endorsed by the committee. In addition, greater use of the campus by specific groups (Elderhostel, etc.) should be promoted during the summer.

It was suggested main themes of the document appear to be that strategic, limited, focused growth is desirable; higher admission standards would benefit the university; and, the undergraduate program is central to the university.

Regarding the SWOT analysis, the reality of resource allocation reflects the relative importance of programs. A weakness of the university at this point is the lack of prioritized goals, which makes strategic allocation of resources difficult.

Draft 4 of "Capacity for Growth" will be distributed for discussion via the listserv.

The meeting adjourned at 4 PM