Nikki Keller

The strategic plan for Commonwealth University focuses on providing accessible and transformative education to prepare students for the global workforce. Key priorities include ensuring student success through holistic support, fostering academic excellence and innovation, building a welcoming and inclusive community, and ensuring university success through fiscal sustainability and strategic communications. Core commitments encompass diversity, equity, inclusion, and the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.

The strategic plan of Commonwealth University is centered around students and aims to provide affordable, high-quality education. The plan focuses on academic excellence and innovation, student success, and overall university success including fiscal sustainability and enrollment growth. It also aims to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. Core commitments include diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, strategic communications, and the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.

Commonwealth University's strategic plan centers around four strategic priorities: Student Success (holistic support, career readiness, and financial literacy); Academic Excellence and Innovation (high-impact practices, accelerated programs, and faculty development); University Success (enrollment growth, fiscal sustainability, and effective systems); and Welcoming and Inclusive Community (inclusive culture, improved communication, and community engagement). Three core commitments underpin these priorities: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); Strategic Communications; and Thriving Students, Faculty, and Staff. The plan aims to enhance student success through various initiatives, including career readiness programs, improved student support services, and financial literacy education. It also focuses on academic innovation by incorporating high-impact practices and modernizing the curriculum to meet employer needs. The plan includes measurable goals to track progress in student success, academic excellence, university operations, and community engagement.

The meeting included discussions on policy reviews, committee reports, and first readings of several policies. Key discussion points included the Academic Dismissal Policy, Course Load Policy, and Priority Registration Policy. Concerns were raised regarding due process, transfer student impacts, and the alignment of policies with existing grant requirements. Other topics included fundraising, hazing, and inclement weather policies. The meeting also covered second readings of reviewed policies, withdrawals of policies, consent agenda items, new interim policies and bylaws, a Middle States update, and remarks for the good of the order.

The meeting included committee reports covering executive, academic policy, advancement, DEI, finance, and student success and campus life. Discussion topics included an inclement weather standard, policy submissions, undergraduate admissions, and upcoming meetings. Constituency reports covered student government, alumni association, athletics, campus administrator, and provost. A Commonwealth University budget update was presented. Policy review included a consent agenda and first reading notices. Updates were given on policy feedback, Middle States accreditation, and PASSHE Faculty Council.