UND President Robert Kelley outlined a vision for "an exceptional UND" Wednesday and urged students, faculty, staff and community members to join in making it happen.
"We are an exceptional institution," he told a largely UND audience on campus, but the university can and should build on that by finding new ways to enhance learning, research and service.
His hour-long presentation in Leonard Hall was based on conversations over the past year, including more than 50 "town hall" meetings and workshops, he said.
Kelley offered some specifics but said his vision should be seen as "permissive" and "not a directive," and it would succeed only if all segments of the university and larger communities buy in.
"I'm not trying to paint a roadmap here," he said. "I believe we have begun to define, to frame, a vision for an exceptional university. But this can't solely be in my mind."
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He proposed "enriching the student learning experience" by bolstering the liberal arts, especially preparation in critical thinking and communication skills, through "rigorous and engaging first-year undergraduate experiences," including more seminars, linked courses and "learning communities."
Students should engage more in "deep learning," he said, through such opportunities as undergraduate research and study-abroad programs.
Kelley encouraged more "gathering" on campus, more personal interaction, which could require physical and other improvements to the Memorial Union and other gathering spots and the creation of new ones. Chester Fritz Library, "the soul of the university," could be transformed, he said.
He would boost collaboration through more interdisciplinary teaching, research and creative activity, and by strengthening UND's research infrastructure and technical support.
He anticipates an expanded "UND village" with restaurants, coffee shops, theaters and other amenities close to campus, and he recommends a greater UND presence in the larger community through more art, design, music and theatrical performances in downtown Grand Forks. UND "can contribute to a vibrant quality of life," he said, "good for our economic health, our social health and our cultural well-being."
UND also should take a lead in making the community "safe, family friendly and committed to health and wellness," he said, citing such possibilities as more staff career development, more employment opportunities for spouses, more affordable and quality child care and an environment that embraces diversity.
"Tell our story," he urged listeners, encouraging contacts with alumni, legislators and others who might help make UND exceptional.
Kelley did not mention the ongoing controversy over UND's Fighting Sioux nickname and logo in his remarks. In response to a question later, he said he did not see the issue as a roadblock or obstacle to achieving the things he talked about.
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"This is an opportunity to reframe the university" in people's minds, he said. The nickname debate may have grabbed much of the public's attention, but "I would prefer people to think of the university as an exceptional place to learn."
