Students Discuss and Question GW's Strategic Plan at SA Town Hall Meeting

by Emma Thomson 

GW Provost Steven Lerman and the Student Association held a town hall meeting Thursday to discuss the new strategic plan the University has drafted and is in the process of approving. About twenty students gathered in Funger Hall to discuss the new plan, which currently is in its first draft. 

Provost Lerman opened his presentation by explaining the four themes of the strategic plan.  It is comprised of “broad brushstrokes” of actions to elevate the education experience at GW. The first objective is to unify the university and make it stronger as a whole by encouraging cross-disciplinary study. Provost Lerman stressed the importance of creating an environment where students and faculty work together.  

Next, the strategic plan serves to create more globalization prospects, acknowledging that the world is getting, “smaller and flatter” for students and faculty. For example, Provost Lerman pointed out the need for more discussion of intersecting fields such as religion and politics to create a more holistic education for students. In addition, the strategic plan will increase leadership and citizenship initiatives at the University. Not only does it focus on creating constructive student leaders and citizens but also develops the University’s own identity in the city, country, and global community. 

Finally, the strategic plan aims to expand GW’s Policy and Government programs to make them the best in the field. The goal to improve already-strong programs will allow the university to become more accomplished and respected across the globe. 

GW will implement the strategic plan through creating more affinity housing to foster leadership and communication skills, expanding the study abroad and Faculty in Residence programs, striving to keep the university affordable while maintaining quality, and updating the admissions process to allow more unification. 

Some of the discussion focused on GW’s schools with smaller capacities such as The Elliot School of International Affairs, The School of Media and Public Affairs, and The School of Public Health. Students expressed concern over the new idea to admit students to the university without regard to school or major, constraining the already-full majors. Provost Lerman said that the University would follow the SMPA admissions model, which allows students to “pre-major” in their applications. Prospective students will first be admitted to GW before admission to the specific program in such unique situations.  

Provost Lerman also addressed questions from students who attended the meeting, many of whom were wary of certain aspects of the plan including student life and financial decisions. The questions included adjunct teacher salaries, more affordable housing options, better fundraising opportunities through alumni, student involvement in Board of Trustee decisions, and the ever-present tuition and school spirit debates. 

Now in its editing stages, the strategic plan will be finalized by the end of the year and presented to the Board of Trustees at its February meeting.