President Michael Gottfredson reached out to University of Oregon faculty and staff in a letter released on Wednesday morning, congratulating them on a “remarkable” 2013 and outlining his plan for the remainder of the academic year.
“As we begin a new year and a new academic term, I am impressed by the challenges we have overcome and the opportunities that lie ahead — remarkable opportunities to invigorate key programs, focus our goals and priorities and refinance the University to make our aspirations a reality,” he wrote.
President Gottfredson also recognized the accomplishments the UO has achieved this past year including two bowl-game victories and national recognition for the University’s Pathway Oregon scholarship program. He hopes to build off this momentum into the new year with the discussions surrounding the University’s existing academic plan.
Starting on Jan. 14, the University Provost will host a series of discussions to review the academic plan created by UO in 2009 and Gottfredson encourages deans, faculty and staff to participate in the conversation in order to help determine measurable goals and strategies to accomplish the University’s goals.
Gottfredson also commended the acknowledgment by president of the Association of American Universities for UO’s creation of its institutional board structure who believes it is “as one of several recent positive developments for higher education.” The independent governing board is slated to hold its first board meeting on campus for UO’s new Board of Trustees later this month — seven months prior to their official starting date.
“Our new Board of Trustees will also be key to helping the UO realize our future,” Gottfredson said in the press release.
Members will meet later this month to create by-laws, elect officers and continue learning more about the function of the University. Board members have already completed two previous orientation sessions. More information including meeting agendas regarding the Board of Trustees can be found here.