Meeting Summaries Archive

Cabinet Retreat Summary August 27-28, 2018

September 25, 2018

September 2018

As a follow up to its annual June retreat and in preparation for the 2018-2019 academic year, the Cabinet held a two-day retreat at the end of August. The following is a summary of the Retreat Agenda and Cabinet discussion.

Reflection & Opening Remarks: Members of the Cabinet took time to reflect on the work undertaken over the summer.

Shared Governance: In an effort to create a strong framework for Shared Governance in the coming year, the Cabinet met with the President and Vice President of the Academic Assembly, and the president of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Staff Senate to discuss the following questions:

  • What are the benchmarks of good shared governance?
  • What do you see as your role in advancing shared governance at SU?
  • What would you like to see with respect to shared governance at SU?
  • Are there attitudinal, structural or behavioral barriers to advancing the system of shared governance at SU? If so, how do we address the challenges those barriers present?
  • Are the current mechanisms of shared governance at SU (e.g., those found in bylaws, policies or the Faculty Handbook) adequately developed, understood, followed and respected?
  • What are the two to three recommendations to be implemented within the next year to advance shared governance at SU?

Reporting out on the four small group discussions, the Cabinet and faculty representatives shared a commitment of thoughtful and intentional work in an effort to prioritize next steps.

Diversity & Inclusion: As a follow-up to the engagement during the June retreat, the Cabinet reviewed several provided articles. The session was aimed to offer the Cabinet a collective experience around inclusive excellence and to develop greater capacity for learning, living and, ultimately, leading more inclusively. The Cabinet will renew its commitments and shared responsibilities with an identified proposal and work plan.

Our Presence with Faculty, Staff, and Students: In preparation for this session, Cabinet members reviewed commitments identified in a previous session and discussed how Cabinet can enhance its presence and effectiveness with our campus community this coming academic year.

Entering Into the Academic Year: With the start of the new academic year, members were asked to inform the Cabinet on any issues or concerns within their respective areas.

Design Principles for Strategic Planning Process: Based on input from the Cabinet at its June retreat, the Cabinet was updated on the design principles which are being developed in advance of the launch of the strategic planning process.

Streamlining the Budget Process: In an effort to address concerns related to the current budget process, the Cabinet engaged in a discussion related to the following issues:

  • Reduce the amount of time and energy spent on the budgeting process across the university
  • Reduce the duration of the annual budget process
  • Ensure appropriate time is available for Cabinet & Deans to engage in a thoughtful collaborative manner
  • Strengthen the focus of university leadership on how to best serve our students, faculty, and staff
  • Identify mechanisms to discuss university initiatives outside of the budget process

Campaign Update and Campaign Creative: The Cabinet was updated on the current status of the campaign to date and the upcoming meeting with Campbell and Company, the consulting firm, and with the campaign co-chairs. The Cabinet also reviewed creative concepts for the launch of the public phase of the campaign.

Retention Task Force: Service Excellence: In the development of a new strategic plan, strong recruitment and retention are key components to its success. Placing student success at the center of all of our work, and in thinking about our student population, the Cabinet discussed what steps can be taken to create a new Student Success Plan in an effort to enhance their overall experience at SU.