Q: Who is part of the Innovation Task Force?
The task force is led by a steering committee, chaired by Associate Vice President for Academic Operations Jeffrey Lenn, and two working groups: one focusing on business processes and the other on learning/teaching. The business processes committee is led by co-chairs Dave Lawlor, senior associate vice president for finance, and Kathy Newcomer, professor of public policy and public administration and director of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. The learning/teaching committee is led by co-chairs Dianne Martin, associate vice president for graduate studies, and Dave Steinour, chief information officer. Both working groups include faculty and staff from across the university to ensure a diversity of experience and viewpoints as well as student representation.
Top
Q: Is this just about cost savings?
No. This initiative is about taking our institution to the next level and achieving a level of excellence that we know is within our reach. We have the opportunity to reflect on what we are doing well as an institution, what we should build on for the future and what we can do better in our academic and business operations. The Task Force will be seeking out and evaluating creative ideas to increase effectiveness, efficiency and innovation. Top
Q: How will the $60 million in funding be invested?
Funds identified toward the $60 million goal will be banked for reinvestment in academic priorities, including new faculty lines, enhanced academic programs, increased research support and student experience. They will be banked in an Innovation Fund, separate from the University’s general operating budget. Top
Q: How will priorities for investment be identified?
The Innovation Task Force will recommend areas of academic investment based on feedback from the GW community. Top
Q: How can I contribute ideas?
Members of the GW community can recommend innovations and ideas right away by emailing the Task Force electronic suggestion box at innovation@gwu.edu. Input will be sought from the entire GW community through town hall-style meetings and other forums.
Top
Q: What is the timeframe for the Innovation Task Force?
The goal of the Task Force is to identify innovative ideas by the end of this academic year for implementation in the next academic year. Top
|
