Strategic report sparks debate
TWU president seeks feedback from university
February 20, 2007
Angela Wiebe, With reporting by Lauren Thompson
Following the release of Trinity Western University’s new 10-year strategic plan two weeks ago, President Dr. Jonathan Raymond is seeking the input of all sectors across campus to finalize the document.
“We’re trying to discern what is God’s vision for the university,” Raymond noted in an interview with Mars’ Hill. “My job is to frame the exercise and let people get their fingerprints onto it.”
Raymond has already held one meeting with faculty and another with a mix of faculty and staff last week. Overall, the president will host six or seven meetings, including one for students at the end of March or beginning of April.
The report is available online at TWU’s website, with a link that allows one to email a special strategic response address intended for feedback.
“I want to challenge you to promote this conversation on campus,” Raymond told faculty and staff at a meeting last Thursday morning. “In the spirit of the university, we want critique.”
In fact, the report has sparked some debate across campus already.
Crafted by Raymond and key senior leaders from various sectors of the university over the last six months, the aggressive 10-year plan highlights the need for innovative programs, expanded graduate studies, new infrastructure, an increased endowment base, and includes a plan to raise $125-million, which has left some people a little skeptical.
A professor in the counseling and psychology graduate studies program, Dr. Jose Domene, is pleased that Raymond wants to grow graduate programs on campus, but wonders where the resources will come to carry out the expansion.
“It’s a great idea, but who in our department would have the time to move it forward?” he asked. “We’re already working flat out as it is. Any of the programs we seek to expand… need to be supported financially.”
Director of Enrolment Services Laurette Kroeker shared a similar sentiment: “We really need the resources for making it work,” she said.
According to Raymond, however, the growth outlined in the report will be mostly funded by outside donations. Already in the works are 13 presentations to be held across North America on TWU and the strategic report, in order to raise awareness of the university. Raymond also plans to meet with B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell and his cabinet.
“We need to create endowment, which creates sustainability,” said Raymond, who believes that 90 per cent of TWU’s future donors are still unaware of the university. “Affordability is a huge principle.”
Research analyst Katherine Kotanen said that she is a little concerned with the scope of the report and whether its goals were actually attainable.
“I’m a little leery that there’s so much in here,” she said, “[but] I’d rather it be too many ideas than too little.”
Similarly, while TWU Student Association President Norman Van Eeden Petersman was impressed with the report, he felt it would be difficult to actually implement.
“Its biggest fault is how do we get there and at what cost?” he wondered.
While Van Eeden Petersman felt the document would foster much discussion between students, third year Anna Smith wasn’t so certain.
“I think some will give their input, and quite frankly some won’t,” she said. “Some see themselves as just here for a few years and then they move on. I think students should be involved, but I don’t think we should force people to be involved.”
The report is expected to gain much feedback from staff and faculty, however, who appreciated the ability to share their insights with the university’s senior leaders.
“They’re inviting input and that’s great,” said Dr. Craig Montgomery, chair of the Chemistry Department. “There’s a desire to listen and hear what all parts of campus have to say.”
To view the strategic plan, visit www.twu.ca, and to offer feedback, email strategicresponse@twu.ca.
Now you go...
Got something to say?