Moving Portland State from “biggest to best” was discussed by the University’s academic leadership at its annual two-day retreat held last week. The phrase serves as shorthand, said Provost Roy Koch, for the development of high quality, high profile programs and practices that will enrich communities and attract and support student and faculty from around the world.

President Wim Wiewel, the vice presidents, deans, and Faculty Senate representatives participated in the retreat. They worked from a framework that included previous retreat discussions, existing academic priorities, and the five themes introduced by Wiewel at Fall Convocation. Discussions opened with a review of progress made on academic initiatives during the past year and proceeded to a dialogue on the meaning of global excellence at Portland State.

The group affirmed and, in some cases, adjusted existing initiatives and generated ideas for initiatives that will support the guiding themes. Results from the retreat will be brought to various faculty governance committees for continued deliberation. For more information on the status of academic priorities and initiatives, visit www.pdx.edu/oaa/academicprofile.html.