As Saint Louis University grows in size and reputation, the administration recognizes that so too must the direction of the University grow and change.

Last week, students, staff and faculty received an e-mail from Provost Sandra Johnson requesting the input of the University community to determine SLU’s strengths, weaknesses,

. and to identify the opportunities and threats that confront the University.

This input is just the beginning of the strategic planning process.

“The process allows us to take stock of where we are now,” explained Johnson.

In the process, the University will look internally and externally. Internally, things such as the appropriate emphasis on research and the size of undergraduate student body are to be considered. The external assessment looks not only at the city but also at national trends in higher education. The planning will also help frame a statement for the upcoming capital campaign.

“It’s more of a balcony-level view,” Johnson said. “More systematic; less particular.”

She encourages groups at all levels of the University to discuss what they think are the strengths and weaknesses of the University. Schools and colleges will also each gather information from their perspectives.

“It produces a community discussion about what direction we should take,” Johnson said.

In addition, students can complete an anonymous questionnaire via the Internet. The questionnaire contains textboxes where students can leave comments about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that confront the University.

According to Johnson, the open format of the survey was chosen as it does not limit opinions. “We really want to hear what people really want to say,” Johnson said.

Within the first two days, over 300 surveys were received.

The questionnaire must be completed by Nov. 15. Along with it, a variety of other University and external information will be collected. Once the information is gathered, a steering committee will be formed to identify the direction of the University. The entire process should be completed by May.

With a direction determined, implementation can begin.

The last major strategic planning process occurred in 1996. One result of it was the Project SLU2000 initiatives enhancing academics, scholarship and facilities.