Richard Allsbrook

ECU's Strategic Plan 2023-2028 is a future-focused and innovation-driven roadmap intended to engage stakeholders in shaping the university's direction. It builds upon the institution's core mission of student success, public service, and regional transformation. The plan aims to prepare the university for a future of success, constantly adapting and reinventing itself to achieve its vision and make a difference in student outcomes.

This document outlines East Carolina University's refreshed strategic plan, charting its course for the next five years. The plan aims to establish ECU as a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation. Key vision priorities include advancing social and economic mobility, fostering workforce success, and improving rural health and well-being. The strategy balances fidelity to its core mission with a commitment to innovation to drive economic vitality and enhance community well-being.

The meeting addressed the election of officers, resulting in Mark McCarthy as Chair, Marianne Montgomery as Vice Chair, and Katelyn Rouse as Secretary. Discussion covered scheduling meetings as needed, accessing SharePoint resources, and establishing the business for the 2021-2022 term. Key business items included considering a proposed 5-day finals week, reviewing academic calendar table designs, exploring the feasibility of accelerating processing calendars to align with academic calendar postings, and establishing alternative block calendars for future approved university calendars. A modification was made to the Calendar Committee Charge to include calendar matters for the School of Dental Medicine, in addition to the School of Medicine.

The committee discussed the winter term schedule, considering an alternative schedule proposed by Mark McCarthy that would incorporate a week off between Christmas and New Year's Day, despite having fewer days between terms. Both the original and an alternative schedule will be sent to the Faculty Senate for selection. A discussion was held regarding the date for removing an Incomplete grade for fall and spring classes, resulting in a task for Rachel to request a change from the Committee Chair to the Provost's Office. The committee also addressed the format of academic calendars, with a suggestion to create separate calendars for 15-week and 8-week classes due to student confusion, which Rachel will handle. The group agreed to postpone working on the 2022-2023 academic year calendar until after the fall semester. Furthermore, the addition of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to the Calendar webpage was suggested, and Angela and Tom volunteered to compile potential questions.

The committee discussed and approved future calendars. Key discussions focused on the Review and Discussion of Alternate Block Scheduling (ABS) for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, specifically addressing the 8-week block structure, timing for add/drop deadlines, and potential student confusion with full semester calendars. The committee also discussed extending the drop date for the current semester, which was approved to be the last date of classes, April 27th. Furthermore, the 2022-2023 calendars were reviewed and approved. Changes were also approved for the Abridged 2025-2026 Calendars to adjust summer session end dates and subsequent class start dates.