Provost discusses strategic plan with campus

Students, staff and faculty gathered in the Bronco Student Center for a series of open forums this week with Provost Marten denBoer to discuss the University Strategic Plan.

The strategic plan is intended to act as a 10-year road map for Cal Poly and identifies key areas important to the future of the university.

President Michael Ortiz spearheaded the development of the University Strategic Plan in spring 2008, with the goal of sharing the vision of the university’s future with its community.

Some of the goals outlined in the plan include enhancing the student experience on campus, reaching out more to the surrounding communities and developing a stronger financial footing for Cal Poly.

While faculty members and staff asked questions about how the plan will be funded and how this would affect departments, some students voiced concerns about how the plan will affect their education, the availability of classes and programs being cut.

“I am just worried that this plan is more aimed towards incoming students and students within the graduate program, leaving out existing undergraduate students, thus prolonging graduation dates,” said Daniel Chronister, a fifth-year construction engineering student.

DenBoer assured current students that they will have the opportunity to graduate in the major they have chosen, even if the program is chosen for elimination.

“Students who are already in their selected majors will not be affected by potential program cuts,” said denBoer.

Although some were skeptical about the plan, others were encouraged by the progress being made.

“I was happy with the result of the open forum,” said Karla Cardenas, a third-year psychology student. “I feel more secured knowing ... there will be changes implemented on campus.”

The plan was also presented to the Academic Senate, a legislative body of faculty members, for discussion at its Wednesday meeting. Final approval of the plan is expected in May.

For more information on the University Strategic Plan, visit https://strategic.wiki.csupomona.edu/Main_Page