To:
Members of the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees
Bill Epperly, Chairperson Bill Griffin
Blake Antonides
George J. Guzzardo
Bob Cook
Mike Houston
Carolyn Ehlert
Steve Nelson
From:
Joe Rives, Assistant to the President, Planning, Budget, and Institutional Research
Date:
October 30, 2006
Re:
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
This month’s Strategic Plan Update provides you with updates on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Preparation for the November 2006 Western Illinois University Board of Trustees Meeting,
Campus master planning,
Campus technology,
Campus sustainability, and
Strategic planning meetings for the month of November.
Preparation for the November 2006 Western Illinois University Board of Trustees Meeting
The November 10, 2006, Western Illinois University Board of Trustees meeting contains a number of
items related to the continued successful advancement of the University’s Strategic Plan, Higher Values
in Higher Education.
•
The Assistant to the President for Planning, Budget and Institutional Research Report provides a
briefing on 18 institutional task forces: the Western Illinois University and University Professionals
of Illinois negotiating teams; Campus Master Plan steering teams; Western Illinois UniversityMacomb facilities condition assessment team; and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities
enrollment planning. Additionally, there are task forces for technology strategic planning; integrated
e-mail, calendaring, and groupware solutions; centralized servers; Social Security numbers;
credit/debit cards; data transfer; extensions to the Gilbert Cost Guarantee; Foundations of Excellence
in the First Year; athletics funding; environmental sustainability; and host community (Macomb and
Moline) master planning.
Each task force is successfully addressing Higher Values in Higher Education’s goals and objectives.
At the same time, all students, faculty, and staff espouse the values of the University in daily
interactions. Implementation of Higher Values in Higher Education, therefore, occurs through daily
interactions, task forces, and the actions of intact offices, structures, and processes. These actions,
coupled with strong commitments to shared governance, communication, and collaboration,
contribute to the advancement of the University’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
•
The Strategic Plan Report shows how ten of the 19 Strategic Plan goals are currently being addressed
by ad hoc task forces. I will continue to use monthly Strategic Plan updates to keep you informed of
progress.
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
October 30, 2006
Page 2
To attract, recruit, retain, and develop an excellent faculty and superior staff: Western Illinois UniversityUniversity Professionals of Illinois negotiating teams are working on a new contract to replace the existing one that
expires August 31, 2007. As the University’s top budget priority, the negotiating teams will continue to identify
strategies for negotiated faculty and staff salaries that meet and exceed the mean of peer institutions. New collective
bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal
Employees Local 417will be presented for approval at the November Western Illinois University Board of Trustees
meeting.
To achieve optimum enrollment: Western Illinois University Quad Cities Enrollment Planning yielded a 9.5
percent student enrollment (headcount) increase between fall 2005 and fall 2006. New strategies include marketing
and billboard campaigns, increased outreach to students, open houses, and upgrading of two-way instructional
audio-video equipment between Macomb and Moline.
To create a student body of high achieving and diverse students: Possible extensions of the Gilbert Cost
Guarantee currently under investigation include offering students with an Associate’s degree an all-costs (tuition,
fees, room and board rate) rate reduction to meet Strategic Plan goals of controlled enrollment growth and
increasing the percentage of transfer students with an Associate’s degree.
To provide support services to encourage student success and increase retention and graduation rates:
Foundations of Excellence Self-Study is a year-long assessment of student learning outcomes and evaluation of
programs and services. Recommendations aimed at improving first-year student academic performance and
retention will be made at the end of the academic year.
To provide opportunities for student leadership development and personal growth: The Athletics Funding
Task Force is developing a recommended five-year (Fiscal Year 2008-2013) budget plan for Western Illinois
University to continue to support an NCAA Division I varsity intercollegiate athletics program that is committed to
broad-based participation opportunities, academic achievement, financial stability, and strict adherence to National
Collegiate Athletic Association operating principles.
To develop a strategic plan that coordinates the effective acquisition, utilization, and application of
technology: The President’s Technology Infrastructure Group and the President’s Technology Advisory Group have
developed an institutional strategic plan for technology. A draft is currently being shared with governance groups on
both Western Illinois University campuses. We will seek endorsement from all governance groups prior to
submitting to the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees for approval in March 2007.
To expand and improve University facilities to meet the needs of University constituencies and reflect the core
values of the University: The Quad Cities Users Group continues to work with PSA/Dewberry to complete
architectural and engineering documents by June 30, 2007. The Western Illinois University-Macomb Master Plan
Steering Committee continues to refine the newly developing master plan and will seek endorsement from all
campus governance groups prior to submitting to the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees for approval in
March 2007.
To improve the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability: The Environmental Sustainability
Committee continues to coordinate many of the sustainability activities on the campuses of Western Illinois
University. Most recently, 40 students, faculty, and staff participated in the Campus Sustainability Day IV Web cast
sponsored by the Society for College and University Planning. The next major event planned by the committee is
institutional participation in a 10-week national collegiate recycling competition in spring 2007 (described in a later
section of this Update).
To further cultivate positive relationships between our campuses and host communities: Partnering in master
planning with the cities of Macomb and Moline, as previous Monthly Updates have demonstrated, shows how staff
and trustees from Western serve as a resource for and stimulus to economic, educational, cultural, environmental,
and community development in our host communities, region, and well beyond.
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
October 30, 2006
Page 3
•
The Report on Income-Producing Grants and Contracts for the First Quarter demonstrates faculty and
staff excellence in research and scholarly/creative activities. For example, Professor Patricia Hutinger from
the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education received $1.0 million from the Illinois State
Board of Education to support a comprehensive program for Illinois early education personnel who work
with students having special needs. Additionally, Associate Professors of Management Rajeev Sawhney
and Gordon Rands received $200,000 from the United States Department of Education to form a
consortium to provide students with the knowledge and skills to create environmentally and socially
sustainable international supply chains; and Associate Professor Cynthia Struthers from the Illinois Institute
of Rural Affairs received $300,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture to enhance the
capacity of recipients to successfully undertake housing projects.
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The Fiscal Year 2007 Net Price Study demonstrates that the University maintains historic commitments to
student access and affordability. Much of the data presented in this report was prepared by Financial Aid
Director Bill Bushaw. Bill is recognized statewide and nationally for his leadership in student financial aid.
Most recently, he was awarded the Alan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award at the 2006 annual
conference of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA). This award,
the highest MASFAA bestows, is given to an individual who has made outstanding achievements to the
financial aid profession and the attainment of MASFAA’s goals.
•
The Master Plan Update describes the status of campus master planning on both Western Illinois
University campuses for facilities, grounds, technology, and infrastructure.
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The 2006-2007 Underrepresented Groups Report describes institutional plans and programs from Higher
Values in Higher Education to increase the participation and achievement of minorities, females, and
individuals with disabilities as these populations have been traditionally underrepresented in American
higher education. Also included in this report is a status report of Web Accessibility Goals for Western
Illinois University. Western is committed to full compliance with Illinois Web Accessibility Standards. All
members of the campus and external communities will have access to the University’s web materials.
•
The Trustee in Residence Program Proposal is follow-up from the Western Illinois University Board of
Trustees’ annual planning and budget retreat. Following Higher Values in Higher Education and Higher
Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation requirements, it is
a suggested method to increase trustee interaction with members of the campus community.
Campus Master Planning
On November 15th, the Western Illinois University-Macomb Campus Master Plan Steering Team will begin working
with Goody-Clancy on taking the best liked ideas from each of the three design alternatives to produce a first master
plan draft. This draft will be shared with the campus community before the end of the fall semester. Additional
details will follow in subsequent correspondence.
As campus master planning moves from the abstract of three design alternatives to the concrete of one master plan,
campus feedback has underscored the importance of and social responsibilities to controlled new construction and
improved/enhanced existing facilities. On November 3, 2006, the University’s request for proposals for a firm to
conduct a facilities condition assessment is due. As reported in the October 2006 Strategic Plan Update, the
facilities condition assessment will help the University prioritize permanent improvements and give cost estimates
for renovating facilities to current code compliance, switching building functions (e.g., changing laboratory and
lecture space), and comparing renovation and demolition costs.
As master planning progresses into the practical, Physical Plant will continue to work with the Provost’s Office and
the Deans to prioritize classroom and technology enhancements as the University receives funds through state
capital improvements, internal reallocations, and the newly developing comprehensive campaign.
Planning for the new Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus also continues. The Western
Illinois University Quad Cities Users Group continues to meet monthly with the campus and architects from PSA
Dewberry to complete design planning. The November meeting with PSA will focus on what Leadership in Energy
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
October 30, 2006
Page 4
and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria are, what levels of certification are, and how Western can achieve silver
certification with the existing building on the Riverfront Campus.
Campus Technology
I will provide you a summary of the University’s implementation of security recommendations in a separate
correspondence. Western continues to aggressively implement recommendations provided by Mitch Davidson,
Executive Director of University Computer Support Services.
Together, the President’s Technology Infrastructure Group and the President’s Technology Advisory Users Group
have finalized a draft of a University Strategic Plan for Technology. It is available at www.wiu.edu/universitytech.
The draft is currently being shared with the campus community for review and feedback. Once the campuses’
suggestions are integrated, we will seek endorsement from all campus governance groups on both campuses before
seeking implementation approval at the March 2007 Western Illinois University Board of Trustees meeting.
Migration to a single e-mail, calendaring, and groupware solution for all Western Illinois University students, faculty, and
staff continues. A pre-bid question-and-answer session was held with vendors on October 26, 2006. The requests for
proposals are due November 7. The technical portion will be scored on November 10, and scoring of pricing will follow.
After these procedures are complete, selected vendors will be brought to Macomb and Moline for on-campus demonstration
sessions. These demonstration sessions are tentatively scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving. I will provide additional
information in subsequent correspondence.
In the December 2006 Strategic Plan Update, I will provide a status report of other technology task forces and will discuss
enhancements to the new University Technology web site. These will include centrally located frequently asked questions
and information resources about the status of the University network, e-mail, and web servers.
Campus Sustainability
There are six Higher Values in Higher Education action items related to improving the University’s commitments to
sustainability. Western Illinois University is making progress in each of these areas.
1.
Develop purchasing preferences for recycled and environmentally friendly products: Through the leadership of
the Purchasing Office, Western is developing green purchasing guidelines, and the magnitude of potential
change is quite large. The University annually spends approximately $35 million for goods and services. In
addition, during the next two months Sodexho Campus Services will follow Physical Plant practices and change
all cleaning supplies and chemicals to environmentally friendly products.
2.
Improve the University’s recycling program: Physical Plant and Student Services are committed to working
with the campus community to increase the University’s diversion rate from 33 percent to 50 percent. During
spring 2007, Western Illinois University will participate in a national 10-week collegiate recycling program
(Recycle Mania) that features Western and other national sustainability leaders, including Colorado State
University, the University of Arizona, and Miami University.
3.
Improve energy efficiency and water conservation: As part of Western Illinois University’s commitment to the
Illinois Sustainable University Compact, we have joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star
Alliance. As a result, Western is developing plans to increase energy efficiency and engage in at least one storm
water management project, and Physical Plant is working with the University Utilities Committee to write a
comprehensive energy-management plan to reduce energy consumption by at least ten percent over the next
five years.
The magnitude of energy reduction will be even higher (up to 30 percent) when the University receives state
capital funding for essential infrastructure upgrades. Western Illinois University utilizes stand-alone, steamfired absorption chillers. Two-thirds of all campus chillers are 13 years beyond optimal service-life efficiencies.
They are obsolete and have begun experiencing increasing failure rates. Original replacement parts are typically
no longer available, and retrofitting using nonstandard parts reduces efficiency and only marginally extends
service life. A new chilled-water infrastructure must also be addressed for the University to advance its
academic mission, meet strategic objectives of environmental sustainability, and optimize state taxpayers’
investments in higher education.
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
October 30, 2006
Page 5
4.
Improve University landscapes and give preference to indigenous species: This has been a priority discussion in
Campus Master Plans for Western Illinois University-Macomb and Quad Cities. Physical Plant has also
reallocated a portion of the University’s permanent improvement budgets to landscaping.
5.
Review University transportation systems: All Go West busses use a biodiesel fuel mixture, and Transportation
Services now uses ethanol in all University fleet vehicles and is piloting the use of E-85.
6.
Engage in sustainable campus master planning: Western Illinois University has committed to Silver Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for the construction of new facilities and the integration
of LEED principles in building renovation. Sustainability is also evident in the newly developing Western
Illinois University-Macomb Master Plan through preference for the “Valleys Plan,” available at
www.wiumasterplan.com, This plan emphasizes renovating existing facilities, restoring the Lamoine River
Trail, creating pedestrian and bike pathways, and implementing campus irrigation solutions. Sustainability
opportunities discussed in the Quad Cities Master Plan include geothermal, a Mississippi River museum, and a
privately developed sports and wellness center adjacent to the newly developing campus.
A future Monthly Update will feature sustainability in the curriculum and other sustainability initiatives and events
at Western Illinois University. I will also be learning of additional sustainability opportunities at the American
Council of Renewable Energy (ACORE). I was recently accepted to serve as one of only 25 commissioners
nationwide on a Higher Education Steering Team designed to bring all forms of renewable energy into the
mainstream of American higher education. Other institutions represented on this Steering Team include Arizona
State University, Duke University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Washington State University.
November’s ACORE meeting will focus on scenarios and forecasts of how much renewable energy will contribute
to United States’ energy supplies now and in each decade through 2050. Major trade associations, research
institutions, environmental groups, and government agencies have been invited to present their forecasts and
underlying assumptions.
Strategic Planning Meetings for the Month of October
Listed below is a sampling of strategic planning meetings for November. I have also included the dates that I will be
representing Western Illinois University as a Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools Consultant-Evaluator for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs at their continuing institutional
accreditation visit. Please contact me if you have any questions about these meetings or recommendations for the
continued successful implementation of Higher Values in Higher Education.
cc:
November 1
Athletics Funding Task Force meeting
November 2
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Campus Action Planning Team
November 7
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Users Group Meeting
(Meeting with the Riverfront Campus architects, PSA Dewberry)
November 8
Meetings with Renew Moline
November 10
E-mail, Calendaring, and Groupware Task Force meeting
November 11-15
Accreditation site visit at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs
November 16-17
Meetings at Goody-Clancy for the Western Illinois University-Macomb
Campus Master Plan
November 21
President’s Technology Infrastructure Group
November 22
Campus Sustainability Committee and Western Illinois University-Macomb
Campus Master Planning Steering Team
November 29- 30
American Council of Renewable Energy meetings
President Goldfarb
Provost Rallo
Vice President Hendricks
Vice President Johnson
CSEC President Williams
COAP President Spelman
Faculty Council Chair Solymossy
Faculty Senate Chair Rock
Alumni Council Chair Green
Associate Provost Clerc
Planning, Budget, and IR Staff
President’s Office Support Staff
October 2006 Strategic Plan Update
October 30, 2006
Page 6
Vice President Thompson
SGA Presidents Early and Ciasto