UNMC Graduate Studies recently undertook a strategic planning retreat in order to continue to chart its future. Committees were formed and plans for action were undertaken in several areas.
“The strategic planning retreat aims to identify key areas of focus for improving the learning experience of our students and ensuring graduate faculty have the ongoing support they need,” explained Dele Davies, MD, dean for graduate studies. “We focus on issues not just important at UNMC but issues at the national level, in order to ensure we remain one of the best places in the nation for health sciences training.”
The retreat did cover past strategic initiatives, including a National Biomedical Research Workforce Working Group, development of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences program and professional and transferable skills programs for students, as well as development of outcomes data and an assessment strategic initiative.
But, the group left with a directive to look forward.
“I was particularly encouraged by the high level of engagement at the event and the wave of action that is already taking place in response to it,” Dr. Davies said. “The four committees that were formed as a result of the retreat are making remarkable progress, and I look forward to seeing their visions come to fruition.”
The committees formed are:
- Diversifying student and faculty bodies. Working with the UNMC Office of Inclusion, this committee’s action items include reviewing student survey data, and proposing new graduate student scholarships to foster recruitment and retention, and more.
- Promoting and facilitating wellness. This committee is working on a proposal to create a graduate student wellness advocate position, as well as looking to improve processes for resolving conflicts, leadership training, and more.
- Mentorship and sponsorship training. What programs could and/or should be instituted to train graduate faculty on effective mentoring and sponsoring of graduate students?
- Training students to be educators. This committee is focused on an overarching plan to educate students about educational best practices and match graduate students with training opportunities to enhance their teaching skills.