University of Redlands
Dear University Staff,
On November 12, I announced that the University is launching a new strategic planning process with the goals of reenergizing the University, providing a pathway to a strong and thriving future, and refining and advancing our educational mission. To facilitate this critical process, the Board of Trustees and I secured the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) to serve as our partner, supplemented by the work of SimpsonScarborough, a leading higher education research firm with longstanding expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research.
Developing a meaningful and effective strategic plan is dependent upon having focused conversations at the outset of our planning process with members of our community about the University and its future. We are now beginning this important feedback process and I am writing to you today to ask that you, as an important member of our community, participate.
On Thursday, March 10, from 2 – 4 p.m. in Casa Loma, we ask that you attend a staff strategic planning session. Dr. David Rowe, Team Leader from AGB, will be leading this session and outlining a strategic planning framework. I will be there also and look forward to hearing your feedback. This session is your time—an opportunity to provide your thoughts, ideas, and vision for the University. There will be a way for you to submit questions anonymously, as well.
To make the session as enjoyable as it is productive, we plan to serve local beer and snacks. So that we can plan for the session, we ask that you please RSVP to the President’s Office at presidentsevents@redlands.edu or by calling us at (909) 748-8249.
And, in partnership with URSAA, we will also be celebrating Employee Appreciation Day on March 10. On that day, you are free to leave campus at 4 p.m. but will be paid until 5 p.m. (If your job prevents you from leaving at 4 p.m. on March 10, speak with your supervisor about using your “Hour Off” another time during the pay period.)
Staff on our Marin campus will have a separate strategic planning session on another date, but the Employee Appreciation Day “Hour Off” on March 10 applies to staff on all of our campuses, including Marin.
This is such an important time for the University, and I want to thank you for your continued dedication to Redlands. To be successful, this strategic planning process will take all of us, and I look forward to working with you as we envision together a bright future.
Sincerely,
Krista Newkirk, President
