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Background

The importance of the task made selection of participants a critical first step in the NIU strategic planning process. To that end, Provost Alden developed a set of ideal characteristics to be considered by campus groups nominating task force members. They included:

  • a broad understanding of the context and role of public higher education;
  • ability to view one’s role from a university-level perspective rather than a college- or discipline-specific one;
  • willingness to be creative, think big, and value both historic strengths and emerging opportunities;
  • a track record for timely fulfillment of responsibilities and willingness to take on new challenges; and
  • a strong sense of ownership about and pride in NIU and a commitment to make the university a better place

Armed with those requirements, NIU colleges, divisions, and shared governance units nominated a broad cross-section of faculty, staff and students to serve on the task force; ultimately 45 members and ex-officio members were chosen.