Lessons learned through engaging in priority setting
(from the discussion at the October 4, 2005 First Tuesday Breakfast Roundtable)
What helps to facilitate the process
- Establish criteria for process of priority setting
- Facilitate atmosphere of collaboration
- If possible, select off campus site for meeting
- If possible, use a 3rd party to facilitate
- Work to hear all faculty voices, especially younger faculty
- Integrate dept priorities with university, regional, national priorities
Benefits of priority setting
- Energizes faculty
- highlights and builds on faculty/dept strengths and uniqueness
- Provides authority for future department decisions
- Offers a possible to re-engage faculty who may have become less connected to the research mission of the department