MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System is hitting the road to listen to the people.
As part of developing a new strategic plan, the University is asking for input on how the UW System can be even more responsive to the needs of Wisconsin and its residents.
At 14 listening sessions to be held across the state over the next several months, community, legislative, business, and other leaders will be invited to share their thoughts on the needs of Wisconsin and their expectations for the UW System.
“One of our top priorities is to better understand the needs, dreams, and concerns of the people of Wisconsin. Only then can we truly engage in helping to find solutions to problems, expand opportunities, and, as our mission suggests, improve the human condition,” said UW System President Ray Cross.
The UW System has scheduled general listening sessions for external stakeholders in nine UW campus communities throughout the state. At five of those locations, there will be additional sessions focused on specific topics, including health, the economy, education, and global interests.
The listening series opens at UW-La Crosse on Sept. 1, with both a general session and a health session. It continues on Sept. 15 at UW-Green Bay (general and education), Sept. 23 at UW-Platteville (general), Oct. 1 at UW-Oshkosh (general), Oct. 13 at UW-Superior (general), Oct. 14 at UW-Eau Claire (general and economy), Oct. 21 at UW-Parkside (general), Oct. 22 at UW-Madison (general and global interests), and Oct. 28 at UW-Milwaukee (general and economy).
All sessions are open to the public, but participants must RSVP in advance.
In addition to these external listening sessions, each UW institution will host local opportunities for their faculty, staff, and students to participate in the strategic planning process.
“As we build for the future, it is vitally important that we seek input from and engage our internal stakeholders, the faculty, staff, and students at our UW System campuses,” Cross said. “Their insights and ideas will play a key role in helping us to ensure that we have a university system that meets the needs of the state for years to come.”
Feedback from all listening sessions will be tabulated and used to help inform the development of the UW System’s new strategic plan.
For more information on UW System’s strategic planning process, a brief video explaining why and how to get involved, and the full schedule of listening sessions, visit: https://www.wisconsin.edu/strategic-planning/