Strategic Action Agenda 2017-2018

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community,

I write to share "Defending Democracy: Strategic Action Agenda 2017–2018," which is posted on our strategic planning website. We are now in the second year of implementing our new Strategic Plan: Creating Pathways to Excellence. This "Strategic Action Agenda" (SAA) is the second stage of the two-year implementation horizon developed for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 academic years. This iteration reflects the progress made to date and identifies work to be completed in the current year. As you will recall from last year's SAA, it is organized on the basis of the four goals identified in the Plan, rather than in relation to administrative divisions of the College.

I am pleased to report that we have made significant strides on our strategic goals, and I am thankful to all of you who have contributed. As you will see in this year's SAA, I call upon all members of the Skidmore community to rededicate ourselves to our common educational purpose—especially as it relates to the concept of informed, responsible, citizenship. The preamble references the relationship between what we do at Skidmore and democracy, with specific reference to issues regarding free speech. All of these topics are very much on our minds these days, along with concern for the victims of the terrible hurricanes that have devastated parts of the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and a number of Caribbean islands, as well as those killed and wounded in the Las Vegas shooting.

We look forward to collaborating with you on this academic year's work.