Aug. 18, 2021

I’m thrilled to share that the Board of Regents last week voted 8-0 to approve the system strategic plan, “Innovating for the Future.” This is great news for the University of Colorado, our students and the entire state. When combined with the campus strategic plans, the system plan serves as a roadmap to help guide CU into the future. It will help us avoid distractions and unnecessary detours and focus on doing what we do best: providing world-class, affordable education with exceptional teaching, learning, research, service and health care.

Developed over the course of 18 months, “Innovating for the Future” is the result of a collaborative and inclusive process that identifies our collective priorities systemwide. The plan incorporates input from the CU Board of Regents, faculty, students, staff, chancellors, trustees and the broader CU community. Four pillars serve as the plan’s foundation: Affordability & Student Success; Discovery & Impact; Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Access; and Fiscal Strength. By working together to achieve specific goals in each of these areas, we’ll ensure CU’s success as we navigate the road ahead.

It’s important to note that “Innovating for the Future” will complement and support the campus strategic plans, not supersede them. Our campuses have unique needs and strengths, which are reflected in their respective plans. We celebrate their differences as they make CU a robust university system for all Coloradans.

So many people contributed to the creation of “Innovating for the Future,” and we’re incredibly grateful for their efforts. A few individuals deserve special recognition, however, including Leeds School of Business Dean Sharon Matusik; Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Angelique Foster; and Chancellors Phil DiStefano, Don Elliman, Michelle Marks and Venkat Reddy. And, of course, we’re very thankful to former President Mark Kennedy for leading us through the strategic planning effort.

As we work to implement the metrics, goals and action steps outlined in “Innovating for the Future,” we’re eager to begin tracking our success on the new strategic plan website, which will be updated as we make progress. At upcoming board meetings, we’ll provide the Board of Regents with deep dives into the real work being done, as well as progress reports at the summer and winter board retreats. Additionally, at the February 2022 Board meeting, we’ll review the results of questions tied to the strategic plan in the forthcoming Campus and Workplace Culture Survey.

It seems fitting to begin this academic year with the systemwide strategic plan officially in place. After enduring one of the most challenging periods in recent history, we’re looking ahead with hope and excitement. “Innovating for the Future” provides additional clarity on who we are and where we’re headed.

Sincerely,

Todd Saliman

President