President to hold campus conversation event April 12

UO President Michael Schill is inviting the University of Oregon community to participate in a campus conversation focused on the university’s strategic objectives and priorities. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, at noon in the Ford Alumni Center Ballroom. (New time and location.)

Schill will talk about the priorities and strategies needed to help the UO secure its place among the pre-eminent public research universities in the United States. His presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

“I am very enthusiastic about the positive reaction I have received from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends about the plans we have announced over the first nine months of my tenure as president,” Schill said. “But I understand that change can be challenging, so I want to provide our campus the opportunity to talk about the important work still ahead.”

Over the past several months, Schill has held question-and-answer sessions on multiple occasions with the University Senate and the faculties and staffs of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, Lundquist College of Business, College of Education, School of Journalism and Communication, School of Law, Clark Honors College and School of Music and Dance. He has done the same with College of Arts and Sciences department chairs in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The university recently completed its strategic framework process, is in the midst of a budgeting allocation alignment effort, is hiring five academic leaders and is nearing the midpoint of its $2 billion fundraising goal. Schill said he will address those and other initiatives as part of his remarks.

 “We have a historic opportunity to elevate this university in ways that serve students, the state and our nation, as well as benefit the greater good by educating future generations and producing knowledge,” Schill said. “We must change, adapt and align our operations and resources with our goals if we are to achieve our lofty aspiration and continue to meet our mission as a pre-eminent public research university.”

The Office of the President will send Schill’s invitation to everyone on campus at the start of spring term.