Northern Kentucky University has launched a strategic framework process to shape the university’s future, and NKU wants your input. The goal of this process – Success by Design – is to collaboratively build NKU’s future with all views considered, and our online surveys are a convenient way for anyone to participate.
“We’re calling this important work ‘Success by Design’ because it is guided by two fundamental principles: understanding the hopes and aspirations of who we are trying to serve – our students and the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati Region – and designing programs, services and learning experiences to help our students succeed and the region to thrive,” said President Ashish Vaidya. “To chart our future direction, we must listen to the concerns of our community and the challenges facing the region.”
The university kicked off Success by Design with workshops earlier this month to connect with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. These TalkShops are now moving out to the community, and NKU will take them on the road to any group that wants to take an active role in the planning process.
“These workshops are about joining together to determine what the next three years will look like at NKU. Our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has a saying, ‘great ideas come from anyone at any age.’ This fits our approach to creating this strategic framework. We want to hear from you. We want your ideas, and we will come to your neighborhood to really engage,” said President Vaidya.
The TalkShops and community surveys focus on three main areas of student success: enhancing access, completion and career and community engagement.
Success by Design also takes a unique approach to master planning by compressing the timeframe into six months rather than the standard year to 18-month engagement. This process is not typically used in higher education, but President Vaidya knows action is important.
“Too often the process takes years to complete and you lose momentum,” said President Vaidya. “Our current Fuel the Flame plan comes to a close at the end of this year, and we do not want to miss a beat as we continue to frame NKU’s value, purpose, and future direction.”
If you’re interested in hosting a TalkShop or taking the community surveys, visit the Success by Design webpage.
President Vaidya hopes to share the results of the Success by Design plan to the campus and community by March 2019.
