Over the next ten months, the SIPS community will be developing a new strategic plan. The 2015 strategic plan developed concurrent with the creation of SIPS can be viewed here. In line with the recommendations of the recent external program review, the plan will focus on SIPS-wide planning. The purpose of this planning process is to define where we want SIPS to be five-ten years from now. This is the time to think outside the box and be aspirational. All feedback is anonymous.

The SIPS Executive Committee is kicking off the process with a survey to get input from SIPS faculty, staff, and students. The survey has eight open-ended questions and it is hoped that SIPS members will read the questions and give them some thought. Surveys can be paused and returned to so it does not require completion in one sitting. This will not be your only opportunity to have input on the plan. SIPS will be hosting town hall meetings and Executive Committee members will be engage with sections and other groups throughout the process. In addition to this survey, town hall meetings, and section meetings to discuss strategic planning, focus groups with undergraduate students will be scheduled to maximize the scope of input.

As a follow-up to the diversity audit and climate survey in 2017 and the town hall this summer, this survey includes an opportunity to suggest future steps for increasing diversity and inclusion in SIPS. Another climate survey is planned for 2020. Information on diversity within SIPS can be viewed here.

The Executive Committee hopes that all SIPS members will take time to participate in the survey and help envision the future of SIPS.  Survey answers will be critical in launching our strategic planning process, ultimately providing vision and direction to SIPS for the next 5 years and beyond.