Academic Affairs Provides 'Big Ideas' Update

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, an email was sent to campus providing an update on a months-long process involving UNO faculty, staff and administrators whereby collaborative themes are being identified as focus areas for UNO's academic future.

Since the summer, faculty, staff, administrators and others from UNO's Office of Academic Affairs and each of UNO's six academic colleges have been working together to find cross-cutting "Big Ideas" to make use of campus-wide expertise areas.

Sacha Kopp, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, says that the collaborative effort highlights a continued focus on the UNO Strategic Planning goals of Academic Excellence and Community Engagement, as well as a commitment to shaping what Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., called "the promise of accessibility and
being truly exceptional" at September's State of the University Address.

"Building on both existing areas of strength, or special partnerships within our region, we are seeking to identify those areas which can enhance UNO’s distinction academically, be even more exciting for students, and connect even more with our community," Kopp said.

The 10 themes have been identified as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Business of Health Care
• Medical/Health Humanities
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Biomechanics
• Vulnerable Populations
• Security and Intelligence
• STEM TRAIL Center
• Data Sciences
• Human Rights

Summaries of each of these proposed areas of focus can be found on UNO's Strategic Planning website.

In the coming months, the Academic Affairs team and colleges will be reaching out to members of campus to collect feedback on these proposed Big Ideas. There will also be specific meetings held in the coming weeks. A schedule of these meetings is also available on the Strategic Planning website.

By the end of November, Academic Affairs will receive formal proposals for the next stage of consideration, with the final stage being the identification of five proposals as UNO Big Ideas.

The campus community is encouraged to participate throughout the process, and provide their feedback. The goal, Kopp says, is to understand where the campus sees a pathway for growth and opportunity as a leader in higher education.

"Reflecting on the grand opportunities, the broad charge from the Chancellor, and the many talents of faculty, staff, and students, I am excited to see these ideas develop," Kopp says.