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Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

UA R3 (2017-2018): Calling for the Development of a Strategic Plan

Conveyed to the President

  • Resolution:
    UA R3 (2017-2018): Calling for the Development of a Strategic Plan
  • Day:
    January 28, 2018
  • Action:
    Conveyed to the President
  • Summary / Notes:

    Dear President Pollack,

    It is my pleasure to convey to you University Assembly Resolution #3: Calling for the Development of a Strategic Plan. The resolution was sponsored by Employee Representative, Linda Copman, and the Chair of our Campus Welfare Committee, Joseph Anderson. 

    This resolution is similar to the resolution passed by the GPSA, and thus understandably would engender a similar response by your office. Therefore, after consulting with Linda, I wanted to take the time to address a couple of the points made in that response for you to consider when addressing our resolution. 

    A strategic planning process at the central level would provide community members the opportunity to provide feedback on current priorities and help set new ones. Decentralization has many benefits, but it can increase the cost of decision-making and prevent broader, long-term planning. It would allow us the ability to better identify areas for growth and perhaps future investments by the university. 

    For example, a strategic planning process could allow the community to help develop shared policies around health and wellness, supporting a just, diverse, and responsive community, making a Cornell education accessible to low-income students, improving sustainability, and how best to protect and encourage free speech. 

    We believe that it is the role of the central administration to coordinate efforts between colleges and sometimes set priorities for them - thus, it could be helpful to have a centralized strategic plan that is then devolved into practicable steps by the individual colleges. 

    Thank you in advance for your consideration. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

    Best,

    Gabe

    -- 

    Gabriel D. Kaufman

    Chair, University Assembly

    Cornell University

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