The cover page of this report which displays the diversity of business cards of the Task Force members is symbolic of the recommendations contained in this report that much is required to accomplish a unified focus. These themes emerged from Task Force brainstorming exercises and constituent input via focus groups conducted on each campus. Our goal is to operate as One University with well-coordinated internal operations and a clearly defined external image. Academic and research programs on each campus must be optimally served by the other campuses, faculty resources shared, and curricula coordinated. Equipment and materials must be compatible, administrative procedures complementary, etc.
Intercampus unity can only come from intracampus unity.
We must not think of ourselves as departmental, campus, faculty, or staff representatives but as partners in a greater mission. This report is the product of a dedicated and hardworking Task Force group. In addition to formal meetings, Task Force members conducted over 30 focus group meetings with students, faculty, and staff groups on all campuses and with seventeen external constituents in the Kansas City area. In each of these sections opportunities and barriers are indicated, followed by recommendations. These recommendations are prioritized by activities which are ongoing and need to be expedited, issues to be addressed in one year, in two years, and in three years.