It is remarkable what happens when you ask people to comment on the qualities of the place where they live and work every day!
We have now held the first two listening sessions as part of the strategic visioning process, and they have been full of wonderful ideas. The agenda for these sessions is simple: we ask those present to offer their thoughts on what "excellence" means in the context of the educational mission of Ithaca College. We then ask how we can become more excellent at fulfilling our mission.
In the first two sessions, one attended primarily by second- and third-shift staff and the other open exclusively to students, we heard a wide variety of thoughtful assessments of our strengths and weaknesses. Not surprisingly, there is general agreement that the Ithaca College educational experience is very special -- marked by a strong sense of community and deep mutual respect. At the same time, I and the 10 co-listeners have recorded many excellent suggestions for how we can improve the academic experience.
These listening sessions will set our academic priorities for the coming three to five years, so I hope you will all plan to participate. The next session is Friday, November 14, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Klingenstein Lounge. It is open to all.
For a complete schedule of listening sessions, go to:
https://www.ithaca.edu/visioning/schedule/
Please note that we have added a listening session for faculty and staff retirees, to be held on Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Emerson A. In addition, a web-based session is being organized for alumni and other friends of Ithaca College who are unable to attend an on-campus session. The time and date for this session will be announced shortly.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20081113113734476