Since President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. announced a new initiative to update and change Fairfield’s Strategic Plan last fall, many task forces have been meeting and working to enact positive change for Fairfield.
This initiative, named Fairfield 2020, began at the beginning of 2014. Since then, 11 task forces with a combined total of over 200 people, including various students, faculty and staff, administrators and alumni, have been working to alleviate various issues and identify Fairfield’s room for growth as a top university.
Dr. Lynn Babington, senior vice president for academic affairs, along with Kevin Lawlor, executive vice president and chief operating officer, have been tasked with overseeing the steering committee, designed to oversee the task forces and work towards implementing the strategic plan into the University’s day-to-day operations.
“The task forces are completing their work and will be making recommendations to the steering committee in December,” said Babington. “Over the spring semester, the steering committee will prioritize the various recommendations, complete the strategic plan and move forward on implementation.”
While the final presentations and recommendations won’t take place until December, many task forces, including the “Total Student Experience” task force are already making recommendations to the steering committee.
“We have already implemented one – starting Stag shuttle service earlier in the morning so that students can connect with the train for internships and jobs and implementing a shuttle service to Dolan Commons,” Babington said.
The variety of task forces represent various aspects of campus life ranging from “Varsity Athletics” and the “Business Model” to “Core Curriculum.”
“Almost all of the task forces address issues and opportunities that are important to students,” said Babington.
The Fairfield 2020 initiative is designed to excite the Fairfield community through engaging with the open forums and attending the IDEAS Fairfield 2020 Lecture Series. Guest speakers at the lecture series, including Dr. Andrew Delbanco of Columbia University, engage in conversations on various topics relevant to the mission of the task forces.
“The lecture series is designed to be provocative and promote dialogue in the entire University community about the Fairfield 2020 strategic planning process. The various speakers bring different viewpoints and expertise to the discussion,” Babington said.
Babington emphasized how important the Fairfield 2020 strategic plan is to the Fairfield community by encouraging all students and faculty to get involved one way or another.
“This is an exciting time for Fairfield as we plan our future together. Be part of the process and engage in the various discussions and presentations,” Babington said. “Your input is critical.”
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