University unveils new vision statement
Archived article from Dec 3, 1999
By Phyllis Gottlieb
Anew vision statement that articulates the essential philosophy underlying Rutgers' efforts to move into the first rank of public research universities has been announced by President Francis L. Lawrence.
"The university's mission has always been to deliver high-quality programs in teaching, research and public service to the citizens of New Jersey and the nation in ways that meet their needs and are accessible and affordable," Lawrence said. "That is the essence of the land-grant public research university model.
"The new statement of our vision and commitment to excel-lence makes that mission more specific to Rutgers. It describes our goals and aspirations and presents the institution Rutgers is becoming through the implementation of our strategic plan. It both capitalizes on the current strengths of the univer-sity and delineates a path through which we can exercise leadership in higher education on a national scale."
The statement includes two main sections. The first provides a concise declaration of Rutgers' commitment to:
n Creating knowledge and ideas for the improvement of the human condition;
n Preparing students to meet the needs of a changing society and encouraging their personal and professional growth; and
n Advancing the well-being of our communities, state and nation.
"Rutgers seeks nothing less than to become one of America's very best universities," the section concludes.
The second section details 11 ways in which the university will work to realize this vision. These include sustaining the highest standards in learning and discovery; advancing scholarship and intellectual vitality in the academic disciplines; and attracting and retaining outstanding students, faculty and staff. (The complete statement is printed above.)
"This statement is an important part of the strategic planning process," said Joseph J. Seneca, university vice president for academic affairs. "We have ambitious goals as an institution, and the vision statement is a message of the entire university describing what our major aspirations are and how we will function as individuals and as a community to achieve them.
"The new statement provides a role for everyone in the Rutgers community in determining the future of the university," he continued. "It conveys our sense of pride in Rutgers. It can build a new way of understanding that each of us is important to the success of Rutgers."
According to Christine M. Haska, vice president for institutional research and planning, the statement reflects the thinking of the president's cabinet, which is made up of the president, the senior vice president and treasurer, the university vice president for academic affairs, the vice president for institutional research and planning, the vice president for budgeting, the vice president for research, and the Camden and Newark provosts.
"The statement works in direct concert with the strategic plan," Haska noted. "While the strategic plan itself speaks directly to the academic directions of the university, the vision statement applies a context that gives the plan meaning on a scale that responds to the entire spectrum of challenges the university faces."
"It is an exciting document that shows we are striving to be in the handful of great state universities," said Camden Provost Roger J. Dennis, who was particularly pleased by the statement's emphasis on training the next generation of leaders for the state and nation.
Similarly, Newark Provost Norman Samuels said: "Rutgers-Newark is an integral part of the university and contributes broadly to our standing as a major public research institution. The vision statement emphasizes our shared pride in one university and our commitment to the ideas of service, teaching and high standards of scholarship."
Brent D. Ruben, executive director of the program in Quality and Communication Improvement, said the draft was reviewed by the Administrative Council and the Administrative Assembly, which provided opportunities for faculty and staff to make suggestions and offer comments. "It reminds the university community of its responsibility to the people we serve and introduces a way of thinking and acting that will reinforce the university's reputation for excellence," he added.
continued...
Page 1 of 2
Next >
|
