The Process

The process culminating in this document began more than two years ago. It included a rearticulation of the University’s goals and a decision to develop a strategic framework, not a strategic plan, to convey both flexibility and a commitment to revisit and adapt the document at regular intervals. ¹

The Moment to See, Courage to Act effort, beginning in early 2021, included over 700 faculty developing more than 100 proposals. Colleges and schools simultaneously drafted strategic plans. To complement these efforts, the University chartered seven faculty-led, University-wide theme advisory committees on academic excellence; the environment; health and well-being; poverty; global initiatives; service to the Church; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Two staff-led committees — on stewardship and external engagement — assessed how to broaden the reach of Notre Dame and strengthen our commitment to continuous improvement and stewardship of our resources. The deans’ council discussed ideas for the framework at two retreats, and each dean served on a theme advisory committee. An outline of the framework was presented at 26 separate campus meetings, including all college and school governing bodies, Academic Council, Faculty Senate, and many divisions. The President’s Leadership Council members discussed the framework at multiple retreats. Board of Trustee members scrutinized the planning documents of other universities and discussed this framework in various iterations at three successive meetings in 2022–23. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends will work together to implement the ideas put forth in this document and, ultimately, advance the University’s goals.

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