November 7, 2022
Update on the university strategic investment fund process
Submitted by Chuck Taber and Ethan Erickson
Dear colleagues,
The strategic investment fund is our mechanism in the budget model for investing in strategic priorities of the university. Over the past three years, funds have jumpstarted innovative and collaborative ventures across the university to enhance our instruction, research, service and engagement missions and support key priorities such as growing enrollment and improving operations.
As we engage in the universitywide strategic planning initiative, we are pausing the strategic investment fund process in order to align the request process with the directions and themes identified in the new strategic plan. Funding that would have been awarded this year will be reserved and combined with next year's funding to provide a larger pool of funds to support proposals aligned with the strategic plan. Additionally, we will be reviewing and evaluating the return on investment of previously awarded projects to improve the strategic investment fund process.
These modifications to the strategic investment fund process will ensure we continue supporting innovative and strategic ideas that advance our university priorities. We look forward to receiving the next round of proposals next fall.
Sincerely,
Chuck Taber
Provost and executive vice president
Ethan Erickson
Vice president for administration and finance