Pitt Strategic Plan Advances With Public Forums

The University of Pittsburgh’s five-year strategic plan is moving forward with Pitt’s Board of Trustees approving a resolution of support and the addition of “engagement sessions” seeking input and feedback from different parts of the University community.

Two meetings—set to provide additional details of the 2016-2020 Plan for Pitt and to solicit feedback—will be held over the next two weeks:

Friday, Nov. 6

Noon-1:30 p.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom, open to all staff and sponsored by the Staff Association Council

Tuesday, Nov. 10

7:00-8:30 p.m., William Pitt Union, Nordy’s Place, Lower Level, open to all students and sponsored by the Student Government Board

Additional meetings will be scheduled for the entire University community—and at least one is being planned for students on regional campuses, said David DeJong, Pitt’s executive vice provost and professor of economics. The latter session will be conducted using interactive video technology to link students across all five campuses.

“The theme of the engagement sessions is the same for all sessions: getting feedback on the plan, discussing ideas for specific initiatives to advance the plan’s goals and strategies, and talking about how folks can get involved with advancement,” DeJong added.

In addition to the November meetings, DeJong said a total of eight engagement sessions have been held regarding the strategic plan: one with department chairs and associate deans, three with members of Planning and Budgeting Committees for all units across all campuses, two with students; one with the leadership of the Staff Association Council, and one with the Faculty Assembly.

Pitt’s senior leadership had previously appointed five working groups to outline how the University will reach its five strategic goals: advance educational excellence, engage in research of impact, strengthen communities, build foundational strength, and embrace diversity and inclusion.

DeJong said the five groups also will be hosting sessions with targeted constituents to develop these initiatives and get feedback on their progress.