Mercy College Assembly 12-13-10 Update

President Hayward called the Assembly to order at 12:05 pm and invited Sister Sally Bohnett to offer the opening prayer.

Dr. Steve Cady provided a broad overview of the agenda for the meeting. He reminded attendees that the purpose of the table chat is to allow everyone an opportunity to think about the topic quietly for a few moments and then share with one another. Table groups then were asked to introduce themselves and respond to this question: “In terms of College Assemblies, this is what we need to accomplish to make it a worthwhile use of my time…” Commonalities as well as unique items surfaced in the table chats were shared with the entire group.

Sister Barbara Davis, SC, chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee, provided an update on the Strategic Planning Process.

• The Steering Committee had its first meeting on Wednesday, December 1. The agenda, handouts, and minutes of this meeting are posted on Mercy 2020.com under the section devoted to the Steering Committee.
• Responses of the three assignments given to the Steering Committee are posted. The Committee reviewed the purpose and outcomes for the Strategic Planning Process as well as who needs to be involved. Additionally, we are posting comments related to the commonalities and differences in our Pillars of Progress, the report from Dr. Gaston (August 2009), and Higher Learning Commission documents from the November 2009 site visit.
• The blog at this same site has the minutes of the December 1 meeting as well as a brief video overview of the meeting.
• The next meeting for the Steering Committee will be on Thursday, January 6.

Dr. Maria Nowicki thanked everyone for their response to this year’s Giving Tree appeal. Gifts for a family of five and two individuals as well as many office supplies for Women Blessing Women were received. Distribution is taking place today.

Below is a summary video from Deb Johnson on what was talked about during the opening table discussion.

Steering Committee Holds First Meeting

On December 1, Mercy’s Steering Committee met for the first time. Our objective in this two-hour discussion was to discuss our roles and assignments necessary to get ready for the December 13 College Assembly and our January 6 Design Meeting.

Upon entering into the President’s Conference room, each member was asked to note on a display board our personal experience with Strategic Planning from 2000-2010, as well as our experience within our departments and the College as a whole. President Hayward gave a warm welcome and discussed the importance and significance of the Steering Committee to help lead the College to become a model best practice in institutional effectiveness in higher education.

Sr. Barbara then launched us into the agenda, discussing how we will use the RoadMap and online technology to communicate and focus on our outcomes through the Mercy College Workspace. Assignments were given to members. We then entered into a table discussion in which we took time to reflect on our successes and concerns related to Strategic Planning, and what we need to accomplish to make it a worthwhile use of our time. We shared common and unique answers with the whole group. Sr. Barbara elaborated on one critical component of our roles/responsibilities is that each of us be honest and respectful in sharing our opinions. We don’t always need to agree with one another. In fact, a variety of opinions will lead us to a better outcome. Communication and “owning our decisions” are an essential part of this process, and we as members of the Strategic Planning Committee will assist in the engagement of all departments in the College.

From here, Steve Cady turned our attention to the Collaborative Process and our “Intention.” Our Mission/Vision is our core centerpiece that will drive us to where we need to be. Our “Intention” is our purpose and meaning. It is part of our process that makes us unique and will give us the power for expression and change. In order for change, we must have transformation. In order for transformation to occur, we must have a process. Steve then emphasized the five core concepts of collaborative planning by using a change formula (D x V x F x S = M > R).

D = Dissatisfaction with the current situation
V = Vision of possibilities
F = First steps in the direction of the vision
S = Support mechanisms
M = Momentum for change
R = Resistance to Change

This formula is our “road map” to help energize and inspire faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other constituents. We need to shift to a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture that leads us to plan effectively rather than using a “band aid” approach to problem solving. The goal of our committee is to establish a common planning approach that can be used at all levels and ensure Mercy College is structured to support efficient implementation and continuous improvement. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the brand identity and pride in Mercy College rooted in our heritage and values. This goal can only be accomplished if everyone is involved. Below is a summary video from Sister Barbara Davis.

To see more details on the Steering Committee’s first meeting, log into http://www.mercy2020.com/ and click on Strategic Planning Committee/Meetings/December 1st 2010. (Meeting minutes will be posted by Thursday, Dec. 9)