Develop “final” form of the charge and questions with EPC, SPC, and consultants. Share the results with SPC and EPC. Develop individual and shared knowledge of what’s happening in higher ed. nationally and in the state. Why? To place Fitchburg in the context of rather powerful forces in the “market,” and if Fitchburg is not subject to some of the trends, to test whether that is really true and know why. 2

Reading list—to be distributed. These are just suggestions—we do not advocate for any one of the points of view represented here, but these are among the more thoughtful publications available. Three online sources: Inside Higher Education Daily Lumina News [from the Lumina Foundation] Massachusetts DHE NewsClips. 3

Develop schedules and agendas. While these will inevitably be adjusted as time goes on, having dates and times blocked out, rooms reserved, and agendas drafted will allow the fall to be about the work of developing plans. Re-visit the mission—is it clear enough to help guide the selection of strategies? In what direction should it be modified, if necessary? What’s the mechanism for modification, official and/or practical? 4

Make sure that each individual takes an institutional view in addition to views growing out of her or his role within the university or her or his disciplinary expertise. There will be disagreements, so be prepared to engage in the dialogue necessary to resolve them or to agree to disagree. Develop and use data or other reasonably objective information, to the extent possible. Plan for 5 or more years from now, not for today. 5

Develop shared answers to the questions. What changes are suggested (implied, desirable, imperative) based on the answers or where is re- affirming the status quo the right thing? Place them in priority order based on strategic importance (greatest impact, key to achievement of the mission). Identify two to four key issues (highest priority) and hit them the hardest. 6

Many good ideas that are not necessarily strategic will come out of the questions. They may be a matter of better operational implementation, execution, or coordination. These should not be lost and should be acted on in due course. Stay in touch with other working groups through SPC and the working group chairs subcommittee. Look for overlap and determine if coordination between two or more working groups is needed during the fall. 7

Deliverable by Nov 15: a white paper of four to six pages that identifies key issues and makes a series of recommendations about how to deal with them. White Papers to be posted on the website after submission to the SPC. 8

Keep working groups on track—attend some working group meetings and hearings. Monitor schedules and agendas. Coordinate working groups, particularly with regard to overlap. Use the working group chairs subcommittee 9

In preparation for developing the first full draft of the plan, discuss big ideas, overall conceptions of strategic direction. Appoint a drafting or writing group to take responsibility for developing the copy first for the first draft. Work with the EPC to understand strengths and limitations of being part of the Massachusetts state university system. When the white papers are received, read them attentively and discuss them. 10

Before submitting the draft to the EPC, develop a process within the SPC for reviewing and revising the first full draft of a plan so that is internally consistent and promises the desired results. Be prepared for disagreement and be prepared to discuss and revise, while keeping in mind that the SPC ultimately has a product to deliver. 11

Deliverable by Dec 1: a concise 10 – 12 page first draft of a strategic plan for Fitchburg State University that: identifies positive actions, is consistent with the Massachusetts Vision Project, takes into account the university’s multiple constituents, and can be used for making decisions. 12

Summer Work on understanding the issues by becoming a student of American higher education and an honor student of higher education at Fitchburg. Design and implement communication with the community about the start up in the fall and progress along the way, working to engender enthusiasm as well as understanding of the process. Fall Work with SPC to keep track of where the white papers, and implicitly the plan, are headed and why. Continue to monitor the external environment and communicate with relevant groups which those aspects of the environment most likely to affect Fitchburg State. 13

December-January Receive draft plan by December 1 and identify necessary revisions and engage in dialogue with the SPC regarding any revisions. Communicate carefully with the board about the direction and content of the draft plan. Present the draft plan to the campus and wider community and communicate potential or likely changes between this draft and the final. 14

January Review and revise as necessary based on comments from campus and the wider community. EPC and SPC have joint responsibility to convey their commitment to the plan to the university community. Keep trustees informed and revise to accommodate important trustee concerns. 15