It is hard to believe that another year has passed and this is the final Open Mike column until September.
In this issue of the Legend, you'll notice several pieces speaking to our strategic planning process at the University, including my Open Letter to the community on pages 8 and 9.
I want to put great emphasis on the wording chosen for the name of this document. I specifically used the term 'open' to represent the intention of the letter, that it is both an opening of a process and a process that is open to your input and feedback.
This letter is a starting point and by no means an end point or declaration of what we are planning to do as we enter the strategic planning process. Rather the items raised in the letter are touchstones of issues raised in various discussions both on and off campus over the past year. I urge you to not only consider the points brought forth in the letter but to look at other things you feel would help position the University of Lethbridge as we move forward into the strategic planning process for our next five years.
This letter opens that conversation and it is my intention to continue with an open mind as we form our next strategic plan.
One of the more important projects I will be undertaking this summer is the creation of a process of engagement for faculty and staff that does not overburden people with more work. I understand that planning can be very time consuming and we are all very busy with the day-to-day tasks that define our roles and power this institution. At the same time, I am mindful of the fact that it is essential we engage our community in the strategic planning process. It is my goal to define a process by which the community can engage in the planning exercises without being overwhelmed with additional duties.
As we head into summer, I want to look back on the recent Spring Convocation ceremonies, Chancellor's Dinner and related alumni festivities. What really struck me about these events was how much they reflect the progress we have made as Alberta's Destination University.
From our honourary degree recipients to our gold medal-winning students to the many alumni I had the pleasure of speaking with, I met people from all walks of life and all areas of the globe who had chosen to receive their education from the University of Lethbridge.
Our honourary degree recipients alone represented the breadth of communities we connect with locally and internationally, while our convocating students included those who grew up minutes away from the U of L to those from the Republic of Congo and Ukraine.
The entire week was a celebration of the U of L as a destination university and I look forward to growing that reputation as we move into the next phase of our strategic planning process.
I want to thank everyone for their dedication to the University over the past year and the exceptional work you have put in for our students. Have a wonderful summer.
This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in flipbook format, follow this link.