Members Present: Larry Abele, John Barnhill, Robert Bradley, John Carnaghi, Ross Ellington, Karen Laughlin, Alma Littles (via phone), Reinhart Lerch (University Relations), Charles Rasberry, Anne Rowe, Jayne Standley, Joe Travis, Eric Weldy

Others Present: Ralph Alvarez, Anne Blankenship, George DePuy (via phone), Ruth Feiock, Sandra Dixon, John Wetenhall (via phone), Sara Hamon

Chairman Robert B. Bradley convened the meeting of the Florida State University Strategic Planning Committee at 3:00 p.m.

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting held on November 16, 2007.

The chair indicated that the strategic priorities identified by the committee at the last meeting were distributed via survey to all faculty, students and staff. Fifty-seven thousand questionnaires were sent out electronically using Survey Monkey and over 5,600 responses were received. Over 1,500 comments were received. The chair gave a Power Point presentation of the Strategic Planning Committee Priority Poll which described the purpose and results of the survey.

The chair distributed a list of the initial top priorities which attracted consistent support from all respondent groups and, for reference purposes, a copy of the Power Point presentation.

The chair stated that the committee should establish seven strategic priorities by the end of the meeting. He will ask committee members to write 4 to 6 page issue papers on each of the initial top priorities, due by January 18, 2008. Discussion of the goals articulated in the issue papers will begin at the January 25 meeting and continue through the month of February. In late February, the committee will revisit the mission and vision statements, the values, and the strategic priorities to determine if they remain the same after the specific goals have been discussed.

The chair mentioned that he and Charles Rasberry have met several times with Randy Hanna, chair of the External Committee. Mr. Rasberry is responsible for recommending the names of potential members of the external committee to the president. The External Committee will also be asked to write issue papers on priorities they feel are important. There will be a collaborative meeting of the External Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. After there is consensus on the strategic priorities and goals, discussion will begin on the specific initiatives and funding sources. This discussion will take place in May.

The chair distributed a sample issue paper written by Helen Travis. Committee members should review this sample. This format will be used for the issue papers.

The issues from the top priorities list were discussed. Committee members suggested merging 5 & 2, 6 & 8, fold 1 into 3 & 7 with an emphasis on excellence in instruction, and divide #2 into two separate statements: (1) Recruit, hire, retain, and reward the best and most diverse faculty and staff; and (2) Ensure recruitment and graduation of the best and most diverse students.

There was a lengthy discussion as to whether to add reputation to the list of priorities. It was suggested that reputation be included as a category in each issue paper. The chair stated that he would assign an issue paper on reputation to a committee member. After the goals from the issues papers are reviewed, it will then be decided if reputation should be elevated as a strategic priority.

The chair made the following assignments:

(1) Recruit, hire, retain, and reward the best and most diverse faculty and staff - Anne Rowe, Jayne Standley

(2) Ensure recruitment and graduation of the best and most diverse students - Nancy Marcus, John Barnhill, Janet Kistner

(3) Support and improve graduate and professional education emphasizing excellence in instruction - Nancy Marcus, Alma Littles, Jason Fishbein

(4) Expand the quality and quantity of research and creative endeavors - Ross Ellington, Sally McRorie

(5) Ensure academic and operational excellence while maintaining financial integrity - Larry Abele, John Carnaghi, Ralph Alvarez, Joe Beckham

(6) Maintain and enhance the quality of the undergraduate educational experience while emphasizing excellence in instruction - Karen Laughlin, Eric Weldy, Joe O’Shea

(7) Reputation - Joe Travis, Charles Rasberry, Frank Murphy

The chair reminded the committee that the issue papers will be due by January 18, 2008. The format will be the same as the sample paper written by Helen Travis. The chair will forward format instructions. All issue papers should include a section on reputation.

The next meeting will be held on Friday, January 25, from 3-5 p.m., in Room 201 Westcott. The chair indicated that additional meetings will be scheduled for February.

Charles Rasberry stated that Siegal and Gale have the results of their FSU survey and will return in the late-January to share the results with the Strategic Planning Committee.

The chair recognized Mark Palazesi and Jianling Liu (Finance and Administration) for their work on the survey.

The chair will distribute the assignments.

The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.