Moving toward the top-three

From M, spring 2006

According to schedule, 11 of 34 task forces working toward transforming the U into a top-three public research university submitted their revised recommendations on February 3. Part of the process was a five-week open comment period that allowed the public and larger University community to have a voice in the U's plans.

"The feedback strengthened the final recommendations, in particular by prompting greater clarity of thought," says Tom Sullivan, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

These 11 task forces include those charged with the redesign of six Twin Cities campus colleges into three, and with examining diversity, the U's international presence, preK-12 strategy, student support, an expanded honors program, and writing skills. The recommendations are now being reviewed by senior University leaders for a determination of next steps.

The recommendations range from the requirement that students receive one full year of writing instruction to a call for the U to aggressively recruit a diverse pool of the most accomplished and talented students, in part by providing more extensive and creative scholarship packages. To read the recommendations in full, as well as all the latest information on the top-three goal, see the Transforming the U Web site at www.umn.edu/systemwide/strategic_positioning.