University Strategic Plan: Playbook Review Cycle (v1.2)
p. 1 of 3
30 Oct 2013
Dear Colleagues,
The new edition of the University Strategic Plan (USP) aims to improve transparency and participation in university-wide initiatives. By
defining a goal as a "Playbook Initiative", we hope to increase awareness, harmony of action, and accountability.
In 2013-14, we're already starting this approach. The Vice Chancellors independently identified Playbook Initiatives and the Chancellor
highlighted some of these initiatives in August. The Chancellor also called for mid-year and end-of-year reports.
For 2014-15, as members of shared governance, we can collaborate with the Vice Chancellors to define our new and continuing
Playbook Initiatives. This review should happen in Spring 2014.
We need to agree on the formal structure of a Playbook Review Cycle, ideally by our last Faculty Senate in 2013 on Wed 4 Dec.
Informally, we also need to actively explore the cultural changes involved in adopting this cycle and living our strategic plan.
I hope that adopting a formal structure will be a relatively smooth process. We need to make the best use of our existing shared
governance structures to promote transparency and participation, while setting reasonable expectations for our Vice Chancellors and
everyone else involved.
In contrast, I predict that working through the first real cycle will be a contentious process. We need to anticipate this friction as we
decide on a formal structure.
At this time, Faculty Senate hasn't yet endorsed the USP. Some important amendments are still pending. However, the Strategic
Planning Committee and I hope that sharing this draft of the Playbook Review Cycle will help everyone better understand the intentions
in the new edition. Time is precious. I encourage Faculty Senate to conclude deliberation on the new edition, vote to endorse the USP,
and turn our attention to our Playbook Review Cycle.
Sincerely,
Kym Buchanan
Executive Editor of the USP
Kym Buchanan
University Strategic Plan: Playbook Review Cycle (v1.2)
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See "Using Our Playbook" in the University Strategic Plan. This is a rough draft (possibly very rough).
Milestone
State of the University Address
Date
August
Information
Start-of-year written reports from all VC on initiatives
for this year
1st FS in
September
Action
Approval of Playbook Review Timeline for this year
Information
Mid-year written reports from all VCs
Information
Written budget forecast for next year by VC Business
Affairs
Tentative initiatives for next year shared by all VCs;
Other tentative initiatives introduced by senators;
Tentative initiatives referred to committees
2nd FS in
September
1st FS in
February
1st FS in
February
2nd FS in
February
Information
Information
& Action
Action
Action
FS committees review tentative initiatives:
 AAC : Advance Learning (VC Academic
Affairs)
 UAC : Enhance Living (VC Student Affairs)
 ASC & FAC : Develop & Use Resources (VC
Business Affairs)
 EC : Honor & Advance Our Legacy (VC
University Advancement)
SGA & CSAC review tentative initiatives.
FS resolution in support of finalized initiatives to
Advance Learning;
FS resolution in support of finalized initiatives to
Enhance Living
Committee
meetings in
February and
March
2013-2014 Date
Wed 28 Aug 2013
Wed 5 Feb 2014
Wed 5 Feb 2014
Wed 19 Feb 2014
Feb & Mar 2014
Any general initiatives are reviewed by EC or the
committee(s) FS designates.
1st FS in April
Wed 2 Apr 2014
2nd FS in
April
Wed 16 Apr 2014
Information
FS resolution in support of finalized initiatives to
Develop & Use Resources;
FS resolution in support of finalized initiatives to
Honor & Advance Our Legacy
Year-end written reports from all VCs
1st FS in May
Wed 7 May 2014
Information
State of the University Address
August
Action
Notes
The Chancellor highlights accomplishments in the
prior academic year and highlights initiatives for the
new academic year.
In 2013-2014, all VCs submitted memos describing
the initiatives they selected (because this process
wasn't in place yet).
In 2013-14, this approval will happen in late fall or
early spring.
Each VC (or designee) is available to answer
questions.
The VC Business Affairs provides updates
throughout spring, as needed.
Certain committees may be designated to also
review certain tentative initiatives (e.g., UTC should
review an initiative related to technology). SGA &
CSAC are invited to this FS.
Committees collaborate with VCs on reviewing and
prioritizing tentative initiatives. The review process
may include modifying some initiatives.
Resolutions in support of general initiatives are
moved at either FS meeting in April.
SGA & CSAC are invited to this FS and present their
own reactions and resolutions.
SGA & CSAC are invited to this FS and present their
own reactions and resolutions.
Each VC (or designee) is available to answer
questions.
Previous cycle is complete. Start new cycle.
Kym Buchanan
University Strategic Plan: Playbook Review Cycle (v1.2)
p. 3 of 3
Additional Notes
Initiatives can be added to the Playbook or removed from the Playbook. Initiatives in the Playbook can be modified. The resolutions in
support have two parts: (1) adding, removing, and/or modifying initiatives, and (2) selecting which initiatives we will actually pursue.
When adding an initiative to the Playbook, we may notate the future academic year in which we should pursue it. However, these
notations are not binding: each year, the selection process is completely re-opened.
SGA and RHA should be included in all relevant communication, and explicitly invited to send representatives to relevant FS meetings.
CSAC should be included in a similar way. We're currently exploring how to include classified staff in shared governance.
A lot can happen between May and September. A VC's start-of-year written report can and should include how any initiatives are being
modified in response to changing circumstances.
Glossary
AAC: Academic Affairs Committee
ASC: Academic Staff Council
CSAC: Classified Staff Advisory Council
EC : Executive Committee
FAC: Faculty Affairs Committee
FS: Faculty Senate
RHA: Residence Hall Association
SGA: Student Government Association
UAC: University Affairs Committee
UTC: University Technology Committee
VC: Vice Chancellor
Kym Buchanan