Minutes of March 30, 1998 were accepted.

Terri L. began discussion on the email/comments portion of the Web page. It was agreed that the email messages should be forwarded on to every member of this committee. It was noted that we also need to have a paper process and central repository. The paper process will be discussed at our next meeting.

Discussion on Goal 12 (Web Goal 10):

• Change 12.3 to read “After consideration of feedback from representative constituencies, the President shall approve the college-wide assessment program”.
• Add 12.B. to read “The task force on assessment shall develop and recommend an administrative structure for operations of the assessment program”.

Discussion on Goal 11:

• Change the goal statement from Expand Outreach Programs to “Continue our growth as a significant agent for community, citizenship enrichment and economic development in the regions north of Concord”.
• Add 11.A. as “Identify and document current outreach initiatives.
• Add 11.B. as “Develop plans for additional outreach initiatives.
• Add 11.B.1. as “Increase the number of evening sections of General Education courses in order to increase access to degree programs.
• Add 11.B.2. as “Develop Saturday schedules of credit courses in order to increase access to degree programs.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m. in HUB119.

Respectfully submitted,
Terri Lessard, Scribe

Present: Boggess, Driscoll, Goodnough, Miller, John, Lindley, Guldbrandsen, Lee, Fitzpatrick, Bernier.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as written.

Review of draft planning document:
Julie opened discussion with a reminder that the current draft results from planning efforts done over the last couple of years, and that even though this committee will end in its present form, some version of it will continue.

Scott Mantie overviewed the document; information was put into a common structure that respects and preserves the past while affording the opportunity to critique and decide where we want to go – everything that will be done will address the institution’s mission. Gary asked how we will know we’ve made progress. Julie replied that the level of detail will be supplied by the cabinet where needed. Scott added that goals will be measured via activity sheets so the format is both centralized and decentralized to some extent.

Gary underlined how important it is to convene the new planning group as soon as possible. Liesl asked how things will get done if the efforts are based on “free will”. Julie answered that the cabinet will oversee efforts to make sure the right things are getting done by the right people. Trent is concerned that we’re not encouraging flexibility for new departments/programs/growth to develop, and that we need to make sure we keep that flexibility as the “stock of knowledge” evolves. As an aside, he also mentioned the lack of effective career placement services as an institutional weak point. Gary agreed. Bill reminded that Bagley’s current focus on study abroad came from this committee, and agreed that a return to offering job placement services would require major restructuring of that program. The new strategic plan would provide a framework for initiatives like that.

Trent suggested that the administration should have its own section in the planning document. Julie and Deb responded that this document IS the administration’s plan. Scott said if anyone perceives a gap in the document, send it forward to him or Julie.

Deb asked the next step. How to organize? Scott said a group similar to the UPC, to help folks put what we have in a useable format so we can understand our path and how much it will cost. Gary asked Bill to comment on a new planning group structure.

Bill said planning has to precede the budget. Scott and Linda Dauer are working on a committee proposal to replace this committee and CBC – resulting in one group to meet several times a year but also to separate during year into planning and budget groups. Scott and Linda have met numerous times to outline tasks and functions of a new group – the Planning & Budgeting Leadership Committee, or PLBC. According to Bill, Scott may take charge of the planning side and Linda will take the budget side, and both should have staff support.

Scott wants to meet with all departments over the next several months to discuss planning and get people more involved. Anita asked if each dept has a specific time per year for assessment. That will depend on the department because assessment means different things for different departments.

Gary wondered about the timetable for moving forward. Julie wants, by fall, to have a plan (not a draft) and to then say “go forth and plan”. Cabinet had a discussion about timetables, and decided this new plan would be called the 2010 plan, thereafter to be updated as the “20– update to 2010 plan”.

The UPC adjourned from its final meeting at 4:30pm.