UTC Mission Statement Review Session September 20, 2001


Invitation & Schedule Previous Mission Statement New Mission Statement Speakers' Commentary Dr. Rich Becherer Dr. Ron Cox Dr. Debbie Ingram Dr. Wilfred McClay Dr. Mark Mendenhall Dr. Gail M. Meyer Dr. Irven Resnick Dr. David Sachsman Dr. James Tucker Dr. Kim Wheetley Dr. Michael Whittle Review Session Summaries September 20, 2001 September 26, 2001	Mission Statement Review Session September 20, 2001 Chancellor Stacy thanked all the participants for their involvement with the Mission Statement Review process and emphasized its importance to the University in planning for the future. He then called on Dr. Dick Gruetzemacher who talked about the schedule and format of the process and upcoming discussion sessions. Chancellor Stacy then called on Dr. Rich Becherer for his presentation concerning UTC's Mission Statement - the primary points of which are summarized below: Essential elements of a mission statement: It should reflect the collective perspective of the University's constituencies. It should be a brief, clear delineation of the University's key elements. It should serve as an effective means of empowering the University's constituencies - especially its employees. It should be fully integrated into the verbiage of the University. The mission statement review process should be viewed as an opportunity to invest in UTC's priorities that will define its future. The process should provide a format to discuss the funding and prioritization of UTC's opportunities. The mission statement should help identify opportunities to support UTC's programs of growth. Key Elements Student orientation is a must - willingness to improve all student services Re-evaluate student friendliness in all UTC offices Look at course offerings and times of instruction Take more of a world view, while having the region serve as a learning lab for our students - think global, act local Must reflect the campus' relationship as a part of The University of Tennessee System Must reflect UTC's quality/excellence Metropolitan Nature of UTC Takes pride in UTC's relevancy and involvement with the world Connectedness to the surrounding community Foster additional university linkages Can become a national model for universities serving their communities The Teaching - Research - Service Paradigm emphasizes practicum programs and placements post-graduation communication with alumni is essential emphasis on applied research research focused on current issues high priority placed on off-campus initiatives Implementation of the Mission Statement communicate it; incorporate it; achieve support for it to achieve "buy in" each employee must understand and incorporate it should convey the passion and soul of the University - serve as a source of inspiration - communicate the core values of UTC should be part of the goal setting process and evaluation components of the University Chancellor Stacy thanked Dr. Becherer for his presentation and then called on Dr. Ron Cox for his remarks. Dr. Cox's observations are summarized as follows: The mission reflects "What do you want to be?" "What are your core values?" What does UTC want to say about itself in a clear and concise manner? Where does UTC stand within the UT System? UTC can be as good as some units and better than most in the System. Statement should emphasize University's reality as Chattanooga's University but should go beyond that service area to be at least statewide. UTC should seek distinction in at least certain areas. UTC needs to have a mission statement that better captures the outstanding quality of our faculty. Statement needs to reflect the commitment of the University's constituents. Statement should help position the University for future greatness and distinctiveness. Statement should encompass UTC's quality - be distinctive and be recognized for the quality that is UTC. UTC's mission should reflect flexibility, responsibility/ownership, creativity and innovation and the University's programs should teach those qualities. UTC should tell people what it is and integrate a public relations element in its communication. UTC must consider standards for all its aspects - students, programs, faculty. University must expand its service area; build on partnerships and relationships. UTC should consider structural reform: recognize its best programs express focus on students from recruitment through placement UTC could be the best in the nation for student centeredness pay attention to what UTC does well and identify programs deserving of national distinction suggestion that UTC re-examine its peer institutions as the University's current identified peers are not reflective of UTC's focus/precepts/quality Chancellor Stacy thanked Dr. Cox for his observations and called on Dr. McClay for his remarks which are summarized as follows: Opinion that the current UTC mission statement is quite adequate - however, this review process is a great opportunity to talk about new initiatives and opportunities Question being asked in the community is "why can't UTC be a little Chapel Hill?" - what's really being asked is "doesn't Chattanooga merit a University of national repute and distinction?" Suggestion that UTC establish an Honors College Can exist alongside current undergraduate curriculum Would have a core honors curriculum and an honors faculty with visiting professors, as well Physically distinctive setting and social programs are desired features Strong financial incentives for students and parents Develop strong record of graduate placement and post - graduation acceptance to graduate schools Desire visible, national recognition and distinction for the program examples: James Madison College of Michigan State University, Rutgers, the University of Texas Possible concerns about establishing an Honors College which can be answered: Possible departure from emphasis on partnerships Diversity Elements of being "cut off" UTC can help Chattanooga by bringing national distinction in this way Honors College would give affordable college access to highly qualified students A UTC Honors College should have a particular focus - great books? Urban planning? Natural sciences? - focus could be established as a result of institutional self-examination Chancellor Stacy thanked Dr. McClay for his presentation. He then called on UC Foundation Trustee, Bryan Patten, for his comments on the three papers shared with the group. Mr. Patten's remarks are summarized below: UTC needs to focus on which is primary - undergraduate or graduate education Focus on "doing right" by those students who attend UTC as area residents UTC should embrace an emphasis on multiculturalism UT Student Trustee Tiffany Smith next made the following observation: Majority of UTC students do feel that they are the primary focus of the University's efforts Clarification is needed regarding what a Metropolitan University is and isn't UTC should address the issue of developing at least regionally competitive graduate programs Mr. Hugh Prevost, Director of Cooperative Education and International Programs, made the following comments: This review process demands that UTC take a hard look at where it is and where it wants to go UTC's student focus should be incorporated into the mission statement UTC should improve on what we do well in order to make it excellent In response to a question asked of him, by Mr. Prevost, Dr. Becherer made the following comments: In order to achieve "buy in" of the mission statement it should be crisp, simple, concise Statement must be shared campuswide Ask each campus department and employee "what is your role in fulfilling the mission statement?" Dr. Stacy adjourned the meeting, thanked everyone for coming, and reminded them of the next seminar session to be held on Wednesday, September 26, at 3 p.m. in Fletcher Hall, Room 100. Respectfully submitted, Susan Caldwell Assistant to the Chancellor