The System Optimization Working Group, charged by President Rebecca Cunningham last fall, has made its final recommendations and will begin implementing the work in August. The recommendations outline a shift and strengthen the University’s culture, as well as its distinctiveness among higher education institutions.

The group is co-chaired by University of Minnesota Rochester Chancellor Lori Carrell, University of Minnesota Crookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, and Vice Provost and Dean of the Office of Undergraduate Education on the Twin Cities campus, Raj Singh.

One outcome of the group is the creation of the System Collaborative team, led by Ryan Schmiesing, vice president for strategic initiatives, which will commence in August. This team will lead the execution of the workgroup’s recommendations and timeline, rotating its members by project to highlight subject matter experts.

Seamless access to all campuses

Increased, seamless access to multiple campuses for both students and employees emerged as a key priority from the workgroup.

For example, undergraduate students will be able to transfer more easily between campuses. This will require evaluating course equivalencies, online course offerings, and general education requirements. Another example is exploring additional undergraduate-to-graduate pathways to better prepare students for acceptance into graduate programs and provide greater access to such opportunities for those in Greater Minnesota.

Enhancing research capabilities

Leveraging assets and expertise across campuses will be essential for enhancing the University’s research capabilities in a rapidly changing environment. The group has called for open access to research centers and institutes to all faculty, emphasizing multi-campus inclusion and access to cutting-edge resources by 2027. The workgroup believes this collaborative effort will expand student research opportunities and increase the University’s ability to develop and implement research priorities that address today’s most pressing issues.

Additional priorities

Other recommendations from the Work Group include:

• Developing onboarding for faculty and staff that showcases the distinctiveness of each campus and its place within the University’s mission.
• Communications recommendations, including moving away from the term “system” to reinforce the idea that we are a single University.
• Increasing opportunities between the Alumni Association, Extension, the Foundation, and the Minnesota State System to increase enrollment, engagement, and philanthropy.
• Eliminating campus-specific email domains and academic calendars to promote a culture of one University.

Overall, these changes will enhance the University’s reputation and influence as an institution of opportunity and excellence in alignment with the Maroon, Gold & Bold Strategic Plan.

View the full recommendation and the group’s July presentation to the Board of Regents.