2008-2013 Strategic Plan

Purdue President France A. Córdova has appointed eight working groups that will form the vanguard in the creation of the University's next strategic plan.

"I call these groups 'tiger teams,'" Córdova said. "Each of them will focus on a key area of the university; these areas have been identified as needing attention during my first 100-day listening and learning tour. We will use a process that invites input and discussion at every level. I want to be sure we have as much information and insight as possible from all of Purdue's stakeholders. Purdue's Board of Trustees identified strategic goals for the campus during the presidential search, and these goals will be an integral component of the final Strategic Plan for the campus."

Córdova said the working groups will focus on these eight strategic areas: student success and the student experience; large-scale research and its infrastructure; economic development; quality of life in the workplace; globalization; campus design; synergies between science/engineering and liberal arts; and attracting students to careers in the STEM disciplines -- science, technology, engineering, and math.

A steering committee made up of leaders from the working groups and others, including those representing constituent councils, will provide direction and draft the plan with input it receives from the working groups, the Board of Trustees, and others Córdova said.  

Córdova said she expects to have a draft plan ready for wide review and discussion in early spring. Purdue's Board of Trustees has been involved in the process from its inception and will conduct its own review of the plan, with final approval expected at or after its June meeting.

J. Timothy McGinley, chairman of the Board, said: “The trustees believe that an ambitious strategic plan with broad support from all our constituencies is essential for Purdue to achieve its goal of becoming a great global university. We are very pleased with the process Dr. Córdova has initiated, and we look forward to reviewing a plan that will chart the course of a great future for Purdue.”

Córdova stated: "Purdue achieved great success with its last strategic plan, and I am confident that we can build on that success to reach new heights as we develop this plan and move into the future. We will tap the ideas and expertise of faculty, staff and students from across this university, as well as from selected community members, to make sure we are moving in the right direction - toward excellence in learning, discovery and engagement."

Victor Lechtenberg, interim provost, and George Bodner, chair of University Senate, will co-chair the steering committee.

Rabindra Mukerjea, director of strategic planning and assessment, will facilitate the planning process and provide staff support for the Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

Members of the steering committee and working groups will be responsible for gathering input and representing faculty, staff and students from all areas of the university.

"As I have discussed this process with faculty, staff and students, they have stressed the importance of seeking input from a wide variety of university employees and students," Córdova said. "I heartily agree with that opinion. Although it is not practical to have every area of the university represented in the working groups, every department, unit and standing committee will be consulted in developing our plans. We also will offer open forums to encourage input from every individual."

Each working group will be asked to provide a vision for its particular topic. Each working group also will be asked to provide a white paper on its topic to describe objectives, strategies and action steps, and funding requirements, including potential sources of funding.

"Among other aspects, we will ask each working group to show how its initiatives embrace energy and environmental awareness," Córdova said. "We also will ask for a communication and marketing plan for new initiatives. And we will ask for a diversity plan to accompany proposed initiatives. In that way, diversity will permeate all our plans, as a key to excellence.

"We will ask each group to show us how new initiatives will position Purdue to be among the best universities in the world."