President Philip: UAlbany Strategic Plan Signals a New Way Forward

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Launched in January of 2011, the University at Albany's new Strategic Plan establishes a framework for action to propel the University forward over the next decade. Unveiled by UAlbany President George M. Philip, the plan defines six key goals designed to capitalize on UAlbany's strengths and articulates a vision for an innovative contemporary university ready to meet new challenges and a world of opportunities.

"The world in which we live is faster, more complex and more connected than ever before," Philip said at the plan's launch event on Jan. 26 in UAlbany's Performing Arts Center. "A new way forward requires new thinking and new actions."

President George Philip unveils the Strategic Plan on Jan. 26 to a campus audience in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

More than 300 UAlbany faculty, staff and students, alumni and members of the greater Capital District community participated in developing the plan.

"These are challenging times. Resources are increasingly constrained for public higher education," said Philip. "This is also a time of tremendous opportunity for public higher education in New York. We play a critical role in our state's future. Our strategic plan provides a shared vision and focus for our actions." The President noted that the plan complements the SUNY-wide strategic plan, "The Power of SUNY."

The plan's six key goals, designed to capitalize on UAlbany strengths in the competitive and changing higher education landscape, are:

• Enhance the quality of undergraduate education at UAlbany and attract and serve a highly qualified and diverse group of students;

• Create an excellent student experience that integrates academic and co-curricular experiences, engages the surrounding community and the world, and fosters lifelong pride in the University;

• Advance excellence in graduate education in support of the University's reputation, role, and stature and the preparation and competitiveness of graduates;

• Increase UAlbany's visibility in, and resources for, advancing and disseminating knowledge, discovery and scholarship;

• Add to, and reconfigure, our teaching, research, student life and support spaces in a manner compatible with our contemporary mission;

• Engage diverse communities in strategic partnerships to increase public, scholarly and economic benefits.

"For each of these goals, we have identified key objectives. Our next step will be to implement these objectives," said Philip.

UAlbany Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan D. Phillips served as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. The process began with a careful look at economic and environmental trends, social and political trends, trends in higher education, the interests of UAlbany stakeholders, and institutional strengths and weaknesses.

"We see a more diverse student profile emerging and the need for a more global vision of education," said Phillips, citing just a few of the considerations reflected in the strategic planning process. "There are new perspectives about what students need to know and how they best learn. Sustaining growth in the development of knowledge, discovery and creative endeavors is essential to both the culture and economy. Innovation and partnerships for economic and workforce development are ever more critical."

"UAlbany has a great tradition and great strengths," said President Philip. "Moving forward, we will build on these strengths. While we do not know what tomorrow will bring, we do know there is only one way to meet the challenges ahead – and that is together."

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Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 58 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. For more information about this globally ranked University, visit https://www.albany.edu/. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visit www.albany.edu/news/experts.shtml.