Transformative Student Experience: This theme
is focused on our students’ experiences at GMercyU
and how we can fulfill their needs and exceed their
expectations. This includes developing partnerships
for experiential learning opportunities, such as
internships, clinicals, study abroad, student teaching,
undergraduate research, and more.
Empowered Community: In order to support our
students, we need to have a strong and empowered
community. This theme includes initiatives focused
on improving technology and systems so faculty and
staff can work more efficiently and proactively. This
theme also focuses on our Campus Master Plan, which
includes plans to develop and utilize the new East
Campus.
Compelling Brand: Centered around creating WOW
experiences for our community and crafting irresistible
stories, this theme includes initiatives involving
alumni, new traditions and experiences, and more
support for student success.
Through the Strategic Plan, the University also has developed
a Vision Statement to help guide the University as we embark
on this ambitious plan. The Vision Statement, along with the
overall plan and implementation, is meant to inspire everyone
MENT
VISION STATE
first choice that
“A university of te ntial to meet the
unleashes your po eat ne ed”
next gr
in the GMercyU community to work together to accomplish the
overall goals of the Strategic Plan.
In August 2018, volunteers from across campus began working
on Theme Teams, which were created to start developing
individual initiatives within each of the four themes. All four
Theme Teams consisted of approximately 60 members of the
University community who gathered during the months of
August and September for a total of four two-hour meetings.
Based on the work of the Theme Teams, the Strategic Plan draft
was completed in October 2018.
Once the draft of the plan was in place, President D’Emilio
hosted a Community Affirmation of the Strategic Plan in
November where faculty and staff could offer their feedback
before it was submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.
On December 5, 2018, the Strategic Plan was enthusiastically
approved by our Board of Trustees and we excitedly prepared
for its implementation in January 2019.
For GMercyU, 2019 has been a year of progress and forward
momentum. New Implementation Teams have been assigned
to tackle many of the initiatives in the Strategic Plan. For
example, one of the initiatives, “More Engaging Website” was
tasked with redesigning the GMercyU homepage to be more
user-friendly and responsive. In September 2019, the new
homepage went live at gmercyu.edu and features new video
content, updates on news and events, and offers a whole new
experience for users. If you haven’t had the chance to check it
out, be sure to go take a look! In addition to the new website,
there are so many more exciting and innovative updates on the
way thanks to the work of other Implementation Teams.
As the implementation of the Strategic Plan continues
throughout 2020 and beyond, we remain enthusiastic and
optimistic about the future of Gwynedd Mercy University and are
excited to continue sharing additional updates as they happen.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
5