Strategic Plan Implementation Update: March, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Thanks to all who participated in the session last Thursday (February 27)! Louisa Bradtmiller and Laurie Adamson led attendees to identify elements of a first-year experience (FYE) at Macalester and then to prioritize and consider potential organization of these items. Louisa also shared data and context related to advising. You can view their slide deck at this link.

Please RSVP for the the last strategic planning implementation session of the semester, which will be held Thursday, March 13, from 11:10 a.m.–1 p.m. in Kagin Ballroom. The topic for this session is high-impact practices (HIPs) at Macalester. Jen Guyer-Wood and Dennis Cao (working group co-chairs) will share a set of criteria for identifying a HIP and share preliminary data about student participation from the classes of 2024 and 2025 in one or more of the 24 programs.

Finally, in support of the “Financial Sustainability” foundational imperative of the Imagine, Macalester strategic plan, we are initiating three small research teams to begin exploring possible institutional revenue opportunities. The three initial areas of focus are 1) campus space utilization and rentals; 2) credit-bearing summer courses for high school students; and 3) a one-year post-baccalaureate pre-health program. The goal for each research team will be to document findings and identify pros/cons for further review by the Senior Leadership team and the broader campus community. We anticipate sharing an update with the community this fall. If you have other suggestions for potential revenue streams, please send them by email to Jeff Allen at [email protected].

Wishing you well.

Jeff Allen and Paul Overvoorde

Co-chairs of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee