President Helm wants to meet you and hear your ideas about Muhlenberg’s progress!
LEGEND
	States President Helm has visited
	Cities where President Helm has been New Canaan, CT Yankee Stadium – Yankees vs. Red Sox Allentown, PA Bethlehem, PA New York City, NY Washington, D.C. Philadelphia, PA Boston, MA Portland, ME San Francisco, CA Los Angeles, CA
	States where future events are planned
	Tampa, Florida – March 2004 Miami, Florida – March 2004 Bergen County, New Jersey – April 2004 Morris County, New Jersey – April 2004 Chicago, Illinois – May 2004

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Q. What is the ultimate goal of the planning process?
A. Well, of course the ultimate goal of the process is to produce a strategic plan that identifies and prioritizes our efforts and investments in pursuit of fulfilling our mission. But perhaps a more compelling answer is the ultimate goal of the plan itself, which we have stated in these terms: At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century, Muhlenberg will be nationally acknowledged as a distinguished, intellectually rigorous private undergraduate institution that integrates liberal arts with pre-professional studies in the context of a close, supportive, diverse community. The Muhlenberg experience will reinforce the importance of character and ethical decision-making, the beneficial power of spiritual life within a variety of faith traditions and the obligation of graduates to lead lives of leadership and service.

Q. Does this mean that Muhlenberg is going to undergo major changes?
A. The process to date has reaffirmed our traditional mission and values – so I would say that we are not making fundamental changes. But I hope the plan will result in major improvements in how we pursue our mission and in our national reputation for intellectual rigor, character-based education and supportive community values.

Q. How long will the planning process take, and when will changes be implemented?
A. So far we are on track to discuss a final draft of the plan at the Board of Trustees meeting in October 2004 and implementation will begin as soon as the Trustees approve it. But keep in mind no strategic plan should ever be viewed as a “final” or static document. Plans should set priorities, but must retain sufficient flexibility so that we can respond to unforeseen developments. It will outline strategic initiatives, but it must allow faculty and staff the ability to develop operational plans that work toward the goals of the strategic plan.

Q. How can I find out more about the strategic planning process?
A. You can review our progress by visiting http://www.muhlenberg.edu/mgt/presoff/ and clicking on “strategic planning.” I welcome your feedback, and encourage you to e-mail me at <president@muhlenberg.edu>. Depending on the volume of e-mail I receive, I cannot promise an individual response, but I can promise that your suggestions will be read and considered.