Dear Members of the University Community, 

In my Convocation address, I spoke about a new institutional initiative of some urgency.  As many of you are aware, the signs of the times in the higher education landscape tell us that change is necessary.  Thanks to all of you and the ambitious work that has gone into the Integrated Strategic Plan: Santa Clara 2020, we are in a position of strength. We shall continue to further these ambitious plans and the goals we set for strengthening our position. To accomplish those goals, however, we cannot be complacent.   

I invite you to join in a year-long comprehensive process of reviewing and assessing current operations and recommending ways to improve efficiencies and effectiveness. We shall look for means of cutting costs to meet short-term and long-term resource needs. In tandem with cutting costs, we also shall identify ways to generate new revenue by capitalizing on new business opportunities and/or expanding current ones. Our Ignatian heritage will inform and inspire both the process and its outcomes. 

This will take creative thinking, collective wisdom, and flexibility. As our greatest resource, you are the difference between surviving and thriving. I look to each of you for your active participation in the process. This may involve membership on a committee or working group, offering proposals, or supporting teams in the process. 

The plan for conducting the initiative will first be presented to the Planning Action Council (PAC) at the October 11^th meeting. The initial areas of review are as follows, but may include others, once PAC has met and discussed these areas: 

• Facilities Utilization, Management, Operations
• Campus Services and Procurement
• Non-Academic Administrative Structure
• Academic Administrative Structure and Support
• Non-Degree Academic Programming
• Benefits
• Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement

A Leadership Committee with two co-chairs will be appointed, as will working groups that will address the key areas of review. 

I invite nominations from the University community at large to serve on the various committees. If you would like to nominate a colleague, a student, or yourself to be considered for the Leadership Committee or a working group, submit names by completing the Nomination Form by October 7.

A website is under development that will provide details about the project, process, project updates, committees, and ways to submit ideas and feedback. 

In the heart of Silicon Valley and practiced in the art of Ignatian discernment, we are compelled to read the signs of the times, reflect on our circumstances, and rise more fully to our potential in service to our students and the world.  

Thank you for being a part of the process to make Santa Clara University stronger.

Sincerely, 

Michael E. Engh, S.J.
President