Executive Summary

President Sheeran appointed the Strategic Planning Proposal Committee to draft a planning process for Seton Hall environmental stewardship and sustainability that would enhance education and research, campus operations, and community partnerships in these areas. The resulting proposal envisions a strategic plan developed through three committees with broad representation, working as numerous subcommittees, coordinated by an executive committee. An organizational chart is included.

This plan would take shape during the 2008-2009 academic year, with the goal of developing a baseline inventory and an on-going process of review and improvement. The plan also calls for Seton Hall University to consider participating in organizations and initiatives to foster the goals of the plan such as the NJ Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability, the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, and the American Association for Sustainability in Higher Education.

Strategic Planning Proposal

A. Introduction:

In recognition of Seton Hall University's dedication to good stewardship, not only of its physical environment but also of the ideals and values of our campus community, Monsignor Sheeran has declared the promotion of environmental sustainability as an imperative initiative for the University. This initiative seeks to preserve and increase the University's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through the creation of a strategic plan starting in the fall of 2008.

B. Vision:

Seton Hall University is dedicated to meeting the needs of the current generation, while ensuring the best interest of those to come. Through the development of an infrastructure committed to cultural change through education, research, and management, Seton Hall University will advance the principles of local and global environmental stewardship and sustainability. Seton Hall University will strive to be a leader in the advancement of environmental ethics, awareness, and responsibility as key elements of Catholic social teaching.

C. Mission:

Seton Hall University is a diverse and collaborative community that actively nurtures an intelligent and responsive generation of global servant leaders. We are a Catholic university committed to balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to help ensure that we meet our present needs, while enabling future generations to meet their needs.

As a Catholic educational leader, we:

• Conduct research that advances our understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship
• Integrate the principles of sustainability into all activities
• Evaluate and improve the environmental impact of our actions
• Generate learning environments and strategic partnerships to empower those who seek to actively shape the world

D. Structure & Organization:

In order to ensure an efficient and productive draft plan, SPPC outlined a structure they determined would best suit the strategic planning goals. Immediately upon the start of the 2008-2009 academic school year, the members of the Strategic Planning Proposal Committee will become the Strategic Planning Executive Committee (SPEC), which will oversee the-goings of three strategic sub-committees. These three sub-committees will consist of University Stewardship, Research and Education, and Community Education and Strategic Partnerships which when combined with SPEC will comprise the complete Strategic Planning Committee for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.

The organizational structure will appear as follows:



i. Strategic Planning Executive Committee (SPEC):

SPEC will function as the executive committee which will serve as the facilitative voice and representation of SPCESS as a whole. This committee is comprised of the membership of the inactive SPPC group, in order to maintain consistency and offer effective leaders, guidance, consultancy and synergy for the newly created strategic sub-committees. The executive committee will be responsible for maintaining activity, efficiency and communication, as well as producing a final Strategic Planning Report by mid-Spring semester of the 2008-2009 academic year.


a. Charge to the SPEC Committee:

Oversee the development of the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Strategic Plan for the University through maintaining an organized and effective structure that:

• Works simultaneously with each of the strategic committees to bring harmony and consistency to the development of strategic goals and objectives
• Communicates the strategic planning process to the greater Seton Hall community
• Works with Public Relations to communicate with the larger community
• Develops strategic goals and recommendations to guide the organization and its committees
• Prepares, compiles, and formalizes a comprehensive final report from the materials provided by the three strategic sub-committees

b. Proposed SPEC Committee:

Chairperson: Parviz Ansari	Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Marian Glenn	Faculty, College of Arts & Sciences
Paul Fisher	Director, Teaching Learning Technology Center
Jeffrey Hurrin	Assistant VP, Student Affairs & Enrollment Services
Jacie Jones	Undergraduate Student, School of Diplomacy
John Shannon	Faculty, School of Business
John Signorello	Associate Vice President for Facilities & Operations
Michael Taylor	Faculty, College of Arts & Sciences