April 15, 2020

Dear Colleague:

After discussions with campus leadership regarding the uncertainty about the immediate future, Provost Agho, Faculty Senate ChairSokolowski and I have agreed to suspend further action on the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan for an indefinite period of time.

I know many of you worked diligently alongside the Provost to produce a well-thought-out and results-driven document, which was strengthened by comments from hundreds of campus and community constituents. It has been an incredible effort from so many, and I am both grateful and thankful for your time and wisdom.

Nonetheless, this is, candidly, a pre-pandemic strategic plan. As Vice President Foster said, "To finalize now would be to assume the post-pandemic world will revert to the state of daily life that we knew 30 days ago." I think all of us need to process his remark and recognize that many of the plan's assumptions and strategies will no longer be part of our new reality for some unspecified time to come.

With your strong input, this plan was built around ambitious aspirations in connection with both metrics and resources. I can no longer predict - nor can anyone - the impact the pandemic will have on budgets, enrollments and the way we will need to conduct business.

Let me again thank so many of you who have taken the time to write or call me with encouragement. Your words have been an inspiration to my executive team and me as we navigate these uncharted waters. I ask you to remain diligent in ensuring your safety and that of your families.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick
President