College Assembly held on February 14, 2011

The “table chat” at the February 14 College Assembly provided opportunity for attendees to identify which of the seven outcomes for the Mercy 2020 Initiative is most important and why. As table reporters shared responses with the whole group, it was noted that every outcome was cited by at least one table. Outcome number three, “Craft a flexible (adaptive, dynamic, evolving, living) strategic plan that addresses the immediate needs (opportunities) and focuses on the long-term vision for the College,” was cited most frequently.

Table groups also spoke to the advantages of Max-Mix seating and to those of self-selected seating. While participants noted that, at times, it is easier to be seated with co-workers, a number of advantages for Max-Mix seating were cited.

During the progress report about the Mercy 2020 Initiative, Dr. Steven Cady outlined the steps in the process which have already been completed. He noted that the Strategic Planning Committee will be working on designing the template and initial draft 1.0 of the Strategic Plan which will be used as a starting point for conversation at a Whole College Event to be held in August 2011. A separate Design Team for this event is being formed. A number of references for articles, websites, and videos related to whole system change in higher education were listed in the handout provided to attendees. All were reminded to visit www.Mercy2020.com to check the blog entries.

Take a few minutes to view Deb Crowl’s summary of the Assembly.