From a galaxy far, far away. . . The Compact Process A View from 40,000 feet Laura Coffin Koch

1. From a galaxy far, far away. . . The Compact Process A View from 40,000 feet Laura Coffin Koch Associate Vice Provost University of Minnesota

3. Benefits The compact process can increase the trust and shared goals among colleges/units and between colleges/units and the administration. The process is one of cooperation, negotiation, and information sharing, where each person in an organization becomes a stakeholder in its unit's compact. All compacts are public documents, there are no hidden agendas or investments, further heightening trust and accountability. The compact process can be extremely helpful in the public accountability realm. The compact process can be used to help establish priorities for a major capital campaign.

4. Benefits The compact agreements impose obligations on both sides, building relationships that are more horizontal, cooperative, and reciprocal, rather than hierarchical. It is both bottom up and top down. The inherent flexibility of the process means we look for ways to strengthen the alignment of service units with the University's academic mission. The compact process integrates planning, budgeting, and assessment to improve academic and service programs at the University. The compact process can be used to further the long-range capital improvement plan and the university master plan.

5. Goals of the Compact Planning Process Assure standards of excellence Align goals and priorities with budgets, departments and colleges, and other university-wide units Promote long-term planning and alignment within units Improve alignment of broad University goals with unit strategic directions, investments, and actions Create a shared University vision and plan

6. Alignment of Institutional Processes through Assessment of strategic issues, priorities, and directions Consistency of institutional directions, programs and processes Policy development and framing strategic issues Enhanced academic excellence Improved services

7. Possible Themes and Priorities Enhancing academic excellence Excellence in undergraduate education Excellence in graduate and professional education New interdisciplinary directions

8. Compact Strategies Initiatives For UAlbany Enhance the university’s reputation by promoting excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement Enhance programmatic excellence Encourage interdisciplinary activities Enhance diversity and build an inclusive campus climate Enhance the recruitment, retention, graduation , and placement of students Develop new fund-raising strategies

9. Possible Themes and Priorities Expanding educational access Improving services Building a supportive community Learning resources and technology strategy community building Improving campus environment

10. Compact Elements Introduction to the unit – mission, goals, core activities, national rankings or locally derived benchmarks Clearly articulated initiatives Upcoming challenges and commitments Current standing of academic programs relative to peers Describe the unit vision for the next three to five years

11. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* Introduction: “The College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and home to the social sciences, humanities, and arts. As the college of enrollment for more than half of the undergraduate students on the Twin Cities campus, and as home to most of the disciplines that form the traditional arts and sciences core of the University, CLA is central to the University’s educational mission... CLA’s faculty are committed to excellence in each are of endeavor- teaching, research, and service. Of those CLA programs evaluated but the National Research Council, two-thirds rank in the top 25 nationally. Although CLA faculty comprise 20% of the University’s faculty, they comprise 35% of the University’s Regents Professors, …” *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

12. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* • Update-Major Long-term Goals/Priorities from Previous Compacts • Maintain and Build the Excellence of CLA’s Top-Ranked Departments • Build the Arts and Humanities • Internationalize CLA • Enhance Undergraduate Education • Enhance faculty Research and the Mentoring of Graduate Students • Integrate Human and Social Perspectives into Health Education • Enhance Diversity *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

13. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* • New Long-Term Goals/Priorities • Establish Competitive Support for Graduate Students to Ensure • Graduate Program Excellence • Expand Undergraduate Research Opportunities • Presidential Initiatives on Arts and Humanities • Create the University of Minnesota Institute for Advanced Study • Transform the Humanities by Embarking on Cluster Hires in the Humanities • Launch an Interdisciplinary Program in the Arts • Diversity Assessment and Planning • Outreach and Civic Engagement *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

14. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* • Facilities Issues: • Compact Initiative Impact and Space Management • CLA 2004-2010 Major Capital Investment Priorities *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

15. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* • Financial Issues: • 1. Tuition, State fund allocations, and ICR agreed upon amounts. *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

16. Compact for the College of Liberal Arts FY 2004-05* • Enrollment Management: • Overview • Guiding Principles for CLA Enrollment Strategy • Strategies for Ensuring Timely Graduation Among • Students with 90+ Credits • New Degree Programs and Minors *http://www.academic.umn.edu/img/assets/11842/CLA%20compact%200405.pdf

17. Compact Elements Describe aspirations in terms of the next higher level of performance and standing Articulate the formal mechanisms used to ensure that departmental assessment plan implementation occurs, and (department assessment plans should be appended to the school/college or divisional compact) Summarize how the unit will contribute to the institutional mission of the University.

18. Compact Data Profiles and Outcome Measures Descriptive Data Instruction, Retention, and Graduation Data Sponsored Research Productivity Student Diversity Faculty and Staff Diversity Financial Analysis Unit-specific Measures

20. Create a shared vision for UAlbany Improve the alignment of broad University goals with the directions, investments, actions, and results of departments, colleges, and units Move from a model that depends on regulation to one that focuses on accountability and outcomes