To ensure efficient and timely completion of the goals outlined in the College of Art and Design Strategic Plan, 10 implementation teams have been established: one for each strategic dimension (A–G), one for marketing strategy, one for policy development, and one for inclusive excellence.
The implementation teams have been charged with the following tasks:
- Reviewing the goals and proposed action items
- Preparing a statement defining current status of issues to be addressed
- Developing a strategy for implementing the action items
- Defining the metrics to be used in assessing each action item
- Assessing financial needs associated with plan implementation
- Establishing a timeline/schedule/milestones for implementation
- Providing regular status updates and any recommendations for changes to the plan
Teams:
Policy Development
A key outcome of a November 2011 all-College of Art and Design retreat was the formation of a College of Art and Design committee to write and review policies and guidelines for College of Art and Design based on established RIT governance. This committee has been actively working on College of Art and Design policy development since early 2012. The work of this committee is additive and will continue beyond the scope of the five-year strategic plan.
Marketing
Core to College of Art and Design’s success is a well-defined marketing strategy. The College of Art and Design marketing strategy outlines the process for communicating the college’s mission and vision. It provides a roadmap for effective marketing, communication, and recruitment. A key goal of this strategy is to ensure that the College of Art and Design reputation is known locally, nationally, and globally, as well as to successfully recruit quality students to the various College degree programs.
Inclusive Excellence
The College of Art and Design embraces the richness and importance of diversity and thus has included a focus in this area as part of this five-year strategic plan. The term diversity is used to describe individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race /ethnicity, class, gender, country of origin, religious, etc.) that can be engaged in the service of learning and working together. The term inclusion is used to describe the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity — in people, in the curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect (http://www.aacu.org/inclusive_excellence/index.cfm).
The College of Art and Design diversity committee has developed an Inclusive Excellence Framework (IEF) as outlined by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Many of the established targets in the framework are embedded in elements of the strategic plan.
Student Success
Student Success is the fundamental purpose of the College of Art and Design. The three primary phases of the student experience are admission, learning, and transition to one’s chosen profession. Student success depends on admission of students with a high potential for academic and professional success, a relevant and effective learning environment, learning faculty who are effective educators, knowledgeable and effective staff, a support structure to meet the needs of students as individuals, and dynamic connection with the professional world.
Faculty and Staff: Career Focus/Success
The CAD vision and mission promotes an academic environment of creativity and technology convergence while inspiring, innovating, and educating in fields where this convergence occurs. A strong team of faculty and staff who are world-class scholars and creative practitioners is its core.
Scholarship, Creativity, and Research
Scholarship, creativity, and research are pivotal components for faculty, students, and staff in our college. The College’s strategic plan looks to the following goals as defined in RIT’s Strategic Plan:
• Achieve 100 percent student participation in innovation, creativity, and scholarships activities
• Increase sponsored research awards
• Achieve 100 percent faculty participation in research
Global Engagement
College of Art and Design graduates will not only demonstrate excellence in their chosen field but based upon the rich experiences in global awareness and understanding of cross-cultural issues gained in the College of Art and Design, will also be able to work across global cultures. Students will be provided with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to be successful as global citizens.
Community and Culture
Community and culture is the center of our connection to each other and to our environs, including our relationship with communities on a regional, national, and international level. The College fosters a community that ensures both dynamic interaction and mutual understanding.
Environment and Facilities
The facility complex of Gannett and Booth Halls ensure the college’s environment, infrastructure, and branding are indicative of its leadership position in the study and research in imaging areas and sciences.
System and Processes
Processes, allocations, and monitoring resources are crucial to filling the College of Art and Design’s academic mission.