Planning Process: launched with focus groups

In late October 2004, newly inaugurated Fairfield University President, Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., engaged the services of the Napa Group to guide the University through a strategic long range planning process. One month later, the consultants conducted a series of five (focus groups (two faculty, and one each administrative, student and trustees group) to determine what those closest to the institution considered its strongest assets and areas ripe for change.

Goal Task Forces: appointed and drafting committee named

Shortly thereafter, Fr. von Arx appointed three task forces, each charged with seeking ways to further the three goals he had set forth in his inaugural address. These were: 1) meaningful integration of the core curriculum, 2) a more holistic integration of classroom learning and the campus living experience; and 3) a focused infusion of Jesuit values into graduate and other adult education. In addition, he named a nine-member drafting committee to coordinate and distill the recommendations each task force would produce.

In carrying out their charge, the task forces kept in mind the internal and external forces putting pressure on all of higher education to assess the ways in which it operates and determine the areas in which creative changes need to be forged.

These issues included:

• Diversity: cultural and economic
• Religious formation
• Financial Aid
• A swiftly changing culture
• Regional dynamics
• Assessnent

Task Force Membership

TASK FORCE I:
Integration of the Core Curriculum
William Abbott, Associate Professor of History
Betsy Bowen, Associate Professor of English

Linda Henkel, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dennis Keenan, Professor of Philosophy *
Paul Lakeland, Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Professor of Religious Studies
Shelley Phelan, Associate Professor of Biology
Lynne Porter, Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts/Theatre
Vincent Rosivach, Professor of Classical Studies (Chair)
Kurt Schlichting, Professor of Sociology
David Schmidt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Business Ethics

TASK FORCE II:
Integration of Living and Learning
Debnam Chappell, Dean of Freshmen
Nancy Dallavalle, Associate Professor of Religious Studies **
Terrence Devino, S.J., Associate University Chaplain
Deirdre Eller, New Student Programs
John Gallagher '05
Jillian Grant '05
Olivia Harriott, Associate Professor of Biology
Katherine Kidd, Director of International Studies
Fran Koerting, Associate Dean of Students For Residence Life and Housing
Mark Ligas, Assistant Professor of Marketing (Chair)
James Mayzik, S.J., Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts,
Director of Ignatian Residential College, Director of Media Center

Karen Pellegrino, Director of Undergraduate Admission
Thomas Pellegrino, Assistant Director of Student Activities
Alison Sexton, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Women's Administrator,
Compliance Officer

TASK FORCE III:
Integration of Jesuit Values in Graduate and Professional Education

Cathleen Borgman, Director of Corporate Relations
Anna Martin, Associate Professor of Finance
Walter Conlan, S.J., Rector of the Fairfield Jesuit Community
Margaret Deignan, Dean, Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions
Daniel Geller, Professor of Psychology and Special Education (Chair)
Marianne Gumpper, Director of Graduate and Continuing Studies Admission
Donald Joy, Associate Professor of Software Engineering
Wendy Kohli, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ***
Jean Lange, Associate Professor of Nursing
Leo O'Connor, Professor of American Studies
Catherine O'Donnell, Director of Marketing
Norman Solomon, Dean, Charles F. Dolan School of Business

Drafting Committee

Nancy Dallavalle, Associate Professor of Religious Studies *
Dennis Keenan, Professor of Philosophy **

Wendy Kohli, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ***
Mary Frances Malone, Associate Academic Vice President
Mark Reed, Associate Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Students

*Liaison to Living/Learning Task Force

** Liaison to Core Curriculum Task Force

***Liaison to Jesuit Values in Professional Education Task Force