In an effort to identify and implement programs and services to enhance and strengthen the university’s educational opportunities, Albany State University administrators, faculty, staff and student representatives will participate in a Summer Education and Retention Summit July 7 through July 8 at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, Ga. The summit, which begins at 9 a.m., will encourage discussion for reframing the University’s 2014-2015 strategic plan. These discussions will continue among all campus stakeholders after the Summit, and the preliminary action plans developed finalized.

Meeting the needs of ASU students is critical, according to ASU Interim President Arthur Dunning. These conversations are designed to produce results and actions that demonstrate a shared understanding of solutions and initiatives that are “owned” by all stakeholders.

“The Summit is intended to elevate the importance of recruitment, retention, persistence and completion for every stakeholder group and individual at ASU,” said ASU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Beverly Edmond. “Most significantly, it is to inculcate within the core culture and values at ASU the notion that recruitment, retention, persistence and completion are ‘every body’s business.’”

Day one of the summit will be facilitated by University System of Georgia Chancellor Emeritus, Dr. Stephen Portch, and will consist of general and breakout sessions among other activities. Portch has conducted an in depth study of ASU and will help the group determine and focus on the highest priorities in the national, state and local educational environments.

Day two of the summit will focus on retention and topics related to ASU’s Complete College Georgia Plan.  Kimberly Douglas, president of FireFly Facilitation, Inc. will coordinate the activities. The outcomes of the discussions will be presented at the August Faculty and Staff Conference. 

For more information please contact the ASU Office of University Communications at 229-430-4671.