Syracuse Sun

A series of town halls will be held this semester to discuss and gather feedback on the University’s academic strategic plan, “Leading With Distinction.” The events are open to the entire campus community and will be conducted virtually.

The town halls will focus on key areas of the plan. The first event, centered on Global Diversity, is scheduled for Monday, January 27, from 3 to 4:15 p.m., facilitated by Elisa Dekaney, associate provost for strategic initiatives, and Chris Eiffe, associate vice president for academic operations. On Monday, February 17, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the discussion will shift to Human Thriving with facilitators Duncan Brown, vice president for research; Julie Hasenwinkel, associate provost for academic programs; and Dekaney.

Emerging Technologies will be the topic on Friday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., led by Brown, Eiffe and Hasenwinkel. The final session on Tuesday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., will cover Research with facilitators Brown and Vivian May, professor of women’s and gender studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Syracuse University Humanities Center.

These town halls aim to foster an inclusive environment that encourages sharing diverse viewpoints and ideas. This reflects the participatory nature of developing the plan during the previous academic year. Each session will begin with an introductory presentation followed by discussions based on five key questions.

“These events will allow our community to come together to discuss progress on the plan and what it means for the future of the University,” stated Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lois Agnew in a message addressed to the campus community. “We look forward to hearing from all of you.”

All sessions will take place via Zoom. Registration details can be found on the Syracuse University calendar.