UMF has embarked on a new strategic planning initiative. President Serna urges all to participate in the process.
Dear UMF Alumni –
I write today with an update on the UMF strategic planning process. We’ve partnered with consultants at Berkeley Research Group (BRG) — a firm with vast higher education planning experience — and are making progress towards a new plan for Farmington.
Many of you might be asking, what is a strategic plan? Strategic planning in higher education is defined as a set of activities designed to identify the appropriate future direction of a college and includes specifying the steps to move in that direction.
We are currently in Phase II of a four-phase plan, and on track for timely completion of the project slated for December. Phase II involves data collection and community engagement. BRG is actively soliciting feedback — through interviews, focus groups and surveys — from all members of the UMF community, including you, our alumni. A comparative analysis of our peer institutions is also underway, along with a thorough review of all previous planning efforts. You can find the full timeline and other details on our website here.
For the numbers folks out there, here is a breakdown of what we’ve accomplished with our partners at BRG since the strategic planning kick-off back in mid-August.
To date, UMF and BRG have:
- Conducted a total of 32 interviews with cabinet members, faculty, staff, students, the Chancellor, University presidents, and trustees
- Received more than 100+ emails from folks expressing an interest in focus groups participation
- Hosted four kick-off presentations
- Lead two Strategic Planning Steering Committee Meetings
- Moderated two Strategic Planning Q&A Feedback sessions
- Facilitated two community presentations
- Collected 31 emails with input from faculty and staff
So, what’s next? This week we’ve launched surveys for staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. I encourage you to take the time to complete your survey which can be found here. Early next week, BRG and the Steering Committee will begin working to assemble and schedule focus groups. If you expressed interest, please keep an eye on your inbox. If you’d like to be considered for a focus group, please email BRG (umf.planning.ideas@maine.edu) as soon as possible.
Moving forward, I cannot stress enough the importance of candidness. Without your voice, this planning process will be ineffective. We have an opportunity to set Farmington’s future course and I urge you to engage in this process.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our colleagues at BRG. BRG consultants can be reached at umf.planning.ideas@maine.edu. To maintain confidentiality, and promote candid conversations, all communications sent to this email address are being delivered directly to our partners at BRG.
I’ll be in touch as things progress.
Best,
Edward Serna
UMF President