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Smith College occupies a distinctive position
in American higher education; it is a liberal arts college with an international
reputation, and, within that selective group, the largest women’s college.
Through the spring of 2007, the college will engage in broad-ranging discussions
about its future and its position on the higher education landscape over the next
decade. A critical element -- a prerequisite, really, to these discussions -- is
thoroughly understanding the current position of the college -- its position
relative to its peers, its particular academic and curricular strengths, and the
areas where it stands to build on the momentum of recent initiatives and investments.
We must therefore begin with a candid look at the college, identifying strengths
and weaknesses and understanding their implications for the future. To this end,
we have spent the fall looking comprehensively at the college, analyzing data trends
and peer comparisons. This review does not offer a plan for the future, but instead
provides a picture of Smith today. It is a doorway into the planning process, providing
data, analysis, and background to inform our discussions. This document provides
a summary of that review. It then identifies issues and themes that have already
begun to emerge in our discussions.
Throughout the planning process, the college will seek
participation from faculty, staff, students, and alumnae through a variety of means,
including open meetings, committee meetings, and Web-based and e-mail comments. We
will provide regular updates to the community on the progress of planning efforts,
relaying decisions as well as describing next steps, important outstanding questions,
and where to go for additional information.
President Carol T. Christ and The Committee
on Mission and Priorities
February 2006 |
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Setting
the Context
Important Issues
Facing Smith
Next Steps in the
Planning Process
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