There are more than 30,000 students of all backgrounds
and economic levels taking classes online, in Ypsilanti
or at one of Eastern Michigan University's statewide and
international locations. The students' cultural comprehension
and fluency is without equal in Michigan. They study and
research with cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art
facilities alongside faculty committed to teaching, and
the value of their degree is enhanced because EMU's reputation
is one of innovation and excellence throughout the region.
This is EMU in 2011.
 |
Fallon |
This future is what EMU President John Fallon and members
of the University Visioning Task Force foresee based on
a draft Vision Statement created by this group after six
months of study and discussion.
"I believe this document represents a future that is inspiring
and full of promise — a future that EMU and all of our
people deserve," Fallon said. "Achieving this vision will
require the best, sustained efforts of every single one
of us. Make no mistake: every member of the University
community has the potential, and indeed the obligation,
to work toward transforming this institution into all that
it can be. And this vision statement provides a blueprint
for action."
The Vision Statement, entitled "Access, Engagement and
Excellence: Mapping the Future of Eastern Michigan University," outlines
the philosophies the University uses to organize, staff
and manage itself strategically and financially. More importantly,
it defines the focus of the University.
A Defining Vision
What is Eastern Michigan University?
Eastern Michigan University is a national model
of student access, community engagement and learning
across all dimensions of the University.
Where precisely are we headed?
EMU is headed toward becoming a university of
choice in the region and a national innovator in
learning and service.
What, specifically, do we intend to achieve?
EMU will be characterized in the years ahead by
growth, cohesion and entrepreneurial operations. |
Based upon the Vision Statement, EMU will focus on:
- Being deeply passionate about enhancing human diversity
and cultural competency, and harnessing these enhancements
in an educationally purposeful way.
- Fueling its "economic engine" through innovations in
academic excellence characterized by superior quality
and economic viability.
- Becoming the best in the country at providing students
from this region exposure to cultures and "real-world" learning
and research experiences in preparation for responsible
civic and professional roles, primarily in the region.
To achieve the vision for EMU in 2011, EMU will concentrate
on the following "categories for action." They include:
teaching and learning; research, inquiry and scholarly
activity; the student experience; innovation and entrepreneurship;
technology; enrollment; community engagement and public
service; image, identity and visibility; and facilities
and grounds.
"If this document can be read on the opening day of fall
semester 2011, and found to be relevant and applicable,
we will have succeeded," Fallon said.
To obtain a copy of the Vision Statement draft, download
it at http://www.emich.edu/visioning .
After reading it, please send your comments, no later than
Aug. 18, to visioning_taskforce@emich.edu .
There also will be additional opportunities for faculty
commentary, as well as input from Faculty Council, in the
fall.
