USVI Public Records

Document text

Vision 2012: Many Paths, One Destination Now that the Board of Trustees has approved Strategic Plan VISION 2012, the question everyone associated with the University should ask is; what do we do to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in VISION 2012? In her Fall 2006 Convocation address, President LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D. explained that in order to accomplish the goals and objectives set forth in VISION 2012, UVI must first develop an extensive training program to address professional and cross-functional development. The University must invest in the required technical infrastructure to utilize systems that will optimize operations at all levels of the University. In simpler terms, “Every person at UVI should have the opportunity for training and professional development,” said Dr. Ragster. To begin the initial implementation of a training and enrichment plan, Dr. Ragster has developed a project called “Leap-Frog.” The Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) was established to assist the University with developing and identifying revenues to support its mission. A proposal to the Foundation funded the project at the level of $1.5 million to be spent over two and a half years. The project will launch this fall. “Leap-Frog means we are going to seek improvements that will take us many steps ahead. These improvements will occur through a dramatic process as opposed to an incremental way,” said Dr. Ragster. “It gives the University the opportunity to build its’ own capacity. Welcome to Strategic Directions! I wish to thank the Board of Trustees for their overwhelming approval of UVI’s VISION 2012 Strategic Plan. I also want to thank the students, faculty and staff, the strategic plan steering committee, and all UVI partners who helped to create this vibrant document. This is a very exciting time for UVI. We have a clear vision and a purposeful mission. VISION 2012 is the road map that will guide us on a new path toward our destination to transform this great institution. Please become familiar with the four strategic areas of focus that will serve as catalysts to help UVI to realize its mission and vision. In this issue, we briefly discuss educational excellence. To receive higher ratings from our clients, we must create a student-centered environment that fosters academic excellence and meets the needs of students around enrollment and academic support. I invite you to embrace the goals, operational objectives and measures of accomplishments outlined in VISION 2012 in your everyday endeav- ors. It is our plan to use the best of the past and discover new paths to become what we need to be—an exceptional institution of higher education in the Caribbean. Plan Update Board of Trustees approved UVI Strategic Plan Framework VISION 2012 on March 11, 2006. The University received a $1.5 million grant from the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) to improve the human and technological capacity at UVI. This investment will contribute greatly to the success of VISION 2012. Strategic Plan VISION 2012 culminates in 2012, UVI’s 50th anniversary. All VISION 2012 documents are available on the Strategic Plan website at http:// strategicplan.uvi.edu Continues on back... University of the Virgin Islands | UVI Strategic Directions | Fall 2006 University of the Virgin Islands | UVI Strategic Directions | Fall 2006 UVI Strategic Directions is published by the Office of the President, University of the Virgin Islands LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President Michelle Smitherman, Editor from the president LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President UVI Strategic Directions We have to value and invest in our human and technical potential.” During convocation, the audience received copies of the new VISION 2012 brochure and two-year calendar explaining the goals, objectives and priorities of UVI’s VISION 2012. “It is an excellent representation of the wonderful process that was undertaken,” said Dr. Ragster. All managers will receive a planning kit with all VISION 2012 documents as well as the Closeout Report for the 2000-2005 Strategic Plan. An integral part of VISION 2012 is the University’s core values. One of the more complex core values is collegiality and shared governance. Mutual respect for differing opinions and constructive participation are at the center of collegiality and shared governance. “It is not about likeability or sociability; it is about working together,” said Dr. Ragster. “If we are going to complete VISION 2012, and do what the people of the Virgin Islands are asking us to do, we need to work more collegially.” In closing, she added, “I hope that all of you will find the time to discuss and come to some consensus about what we require as collegiality here at UVI.” n As I look back over the time spent leading the development of VISION 2012; it was an honor and privilege, for me, to be a part of an exciting strategic planning process. Everyone got involved. It was a collective effort and I am very proud of what we accomplished. The VISION 2012 brochure, calendar, planning kit, and the new website being launched this fall are tools to keep VISION 2012 in the forefront of everyone’s thinking—reinforcing strategic initiatives and reminding students, faculty and staff where the University is going. Now as the journey begins to fully implement VISION 2012, I am confident UVI will transform its future and be recognized as the premier higher education institution in the Caribbean—putting students first, modeling excellence and serving the people of the Virgin Islands. I will miss being a part of UVI’s continued success. Best wishes for a successful new academic year. Continued from front page... Let Us Hear From You Please share with us your comments and ideas about Vision 2012: UVI’s strategic plan for 2006-2012. We also welcome your contributions to this newsletter, which will be published on a quarterly basis. Email: splan@uvi.edu www.uvi.edu University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus: #2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, VI 00802 St. Croix Campus: RR 1, Box 10000 Kingshill St. Croix, VI 00850 University of the Virgin Islands | UVI Strategic Directions | Fall 2006 The collaborators of VISION 2012 identified four areas of focus that UVI will need to address in order to realize its new mission and vision. The areas are educational excellence, institutional improvement, financial stability, and community engagement. The first strategic goal in VISION 2012 requires UVI to create a learner-centered experience that fosters academic excellence and student success through innovative, effective teaching strategies and high quality academic and student support programs. In order to accomplish this goal, the University must begin to undergo an institutional transformation. The result of such a transformation will increase UVI’s ability to offer high quality, outcomes-based academic programs that are flexible and responsive. The change will call for the accreditation of all professional programs and the development of internal standards to assess the quality of these programs. A transformation will require the University to increase enrollment by enhancing recruitment and enrollment-related services, as well as promote student success and increase retention and graduation rates of our students. With a focus on educational excellence, our campuses will become student-centered environments that promote school spirit and institutional pride. The change we envision will create an increase in scholarly research and outreach activities that respond to community needs and generate new knowledge. n “At first glance, it may appear that the operational objectives and measures of accomplishments associated with educational excellence are the total responsibility of the Office of the Provost. While the Office of the Provost is responsible for coordinating this strategic area of focus, the objectives and measures set forth in VISION 2012 will only come to fruition with a commitment from the entire University.” – Maria Fleming, Special Assistant to the Provost/ Director Academic Administration VISION 2012 Strategic Area of Focus Educational Excellence Vision 2012 Brochure and Calendar Any employee who still needs a VISION 2012 brochure and/or calendar can obtain them by calling the President’s Office at 693-1000 or sending an email to Velma Abramsen at vabrams2@uvi.edu. Best Wishes From Deborah C. Fontaine, Ph.D., Former Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee and Chief of Staff