Strategic Vision Framework moves closer to completion

The CU Board of Regents last week received the first draft of the Strategic Vision Framework, a systemwide initiative that defines the future of the university system and campuses, outlines CU’s commitment to the state and identifies what sets it apart from other university systems across the country.

Regent Linda Shoemaker, D-Boulder, on Friday presented the draft at the board’s meeting at UCCS. She said the framework does not replace strategic plans already in place on the campuses, rather it aims to be simple and clear, and collaborative without being burdensome.

“The committee went out to every campus and the system to speak with the leaders about what they thought should be in our systemwide strategic vision,” she said. Overall, the committee – which also included Regents Sue Sharkey, R-Castle Rock; Irene Griego, D-Lakewood; and Glen Gallegos, R-Grand Junction – spoke with more than 100 individuals in five work sessions, she said.

Shoemaker said success will be measured by five elements of excellence:

• Advancing a community of health
• Expanding the reach of the university
• Harnessing technology
• Growing talent and leadership for the future
• Establishing new models for collaboration

Regent Kyle Hybl, R-Colorado Springs, said the document itself was exceptional, but lacked specifics and measurable outcomes.

“It felt to me a little bit like a promotional piece, a chamber of commerce piece,” Hybl said.

Shoemaker said the lack of specifics was intentional and that the committee felt the board needed to establish those as a whole.

“We need to look at the budget to make sure that the areas we feel are of strategic importance to the university going forward are reflected in our budget and our priorities,” she said.

Hybl suggested making the framework more instructive to the campuses.

“Then, next year as the budget comes around, we can see, ‘Are they inside the framework?’ Otherwise nobody is going to do anything with this document,” Hybl said.

Gallegos agreed, saying, “We’re not quite there yet.” He also said he would like to see diversity front and center in the goals.

“With our guiding principles, I like the ones that are there, but what I didn’t see is one that has us becoming a model or setting an example for diversity and inclusion in the state of Colorado,” Gallegos said. “That’s a big part of our guiding principles.”

Shoemaker asked the board to review the framework and provide feedback before its retreat, July 12-14 at Estes Park, where the board plans to vote on adopting the document.