But he acknowledged that the description could be perceived as both a strength and a weakness, which is admittedly confusing. Gwen Rudney suggested that the plurality is not confusing but common, as in the case of a big city campus with myriad amenities and complications. Bronson wondered if the wording of the strength should indicate that Morris is not a college town. Ratliff-Crain commented that the lack of symbiosis between campus and town is a problem. McGrath agreed, suggesting that an admirable tolerance is sometimes misinterpreted as indifference.
Many students are heavily involved in community activities including church membership and coaching.
Ratliff-Crain suggested the attitude is not pervasive and Lynn Schulz mentioned the admirability of a combined recognition dinner that honors faculty and staff at the same time. McGrath countered that well-endowed schools see the same problems, which are very debilitating to younger faculty. Chris Wenner requested that advising of freshmen and sophomores be added to the list of weaknesses and Bronson confirmed that the ratio of faculty to students in this area does create a problem. Lopez ended the meeting by calling for volunteers to prepare an initial document, using the Mission statement, Vision statement, strategic goals, and strengths and weaknesses, that would help identify planning goals for the next three years in unit-based terms, seeking feedback through open forums. Jeff Ratliff-Crain will draft a document assisted by Maddy Maxeiner and Wade Bronson.