Boldly claiming that “within a decade Saint Louis University will achieve distinction as the finest Catholic university in the United States,” the University recently released its first draft of the four strategic directions of SLU.

In a presentation to the Student Government Association, Julie Weissman, assistant provost and coordinator for the strategic-planning process, detailed the strategic directions.

The directions were arrived at through a process that included University-wide input, external-factor analysis and a retreat of 50 members of the University.

Basing the strategic directions on the University mission statement, the president’s vision, the positive core of values inherent in the University, and the environmental influences on the University, these directions are expected to lead to more concrete goals for the University, as well as each individual college or school.

The goals are as follows:

 Expanding research integrated with teaching, learning and service,

 Advancing community with diversity,

 Fostering technology dedicated to student formation and the generation of knowledge, and

 Promoting continuous institutional learning and innovation.

“The strategic directions are meant to be broad,” said Nick Fagan, a student representative on the planning process. “Now the University is looking for comments about how we achieve these.”

The University community is invited to give feedback on the strategic directions. The final draft will be presented for approval to the board of trustees on May 5.

To view and comment on the strategic directions, visit http://www.slu.edu/provost/strategic.