Goals for both campuses presented to SIU Board of Trustees

The 2020 Vision Committee has its sights set on varied improvements for both SIU campuses.

The SIU Board of Trustees discussed SIU President James Walker’s long-term goals for the University with the 2020 Vision Committee Thursday. The goals are for where the University should be in 18 years.

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Former Sen. Paul Simon, chair of the committee, said that several various goals were outlined at the meeting, including efforts to secure financial aid for students who can’t afford tuition.

“No student should have to leave because of financial problems,” he said.

Additionally, the plan will push for a greater international enrollment and try to boost interest among SIUC students in study-abroad programs.

Fewer than 1 percent of U.S. students nationwide elected to study abroad, Simon said.

The plan also wants to look at ways to promote faculty excellence and increase the University’s service in the region, particularly with regard to the area’s economic problems, Simon said. Doing so will improve the quality of life for all, he said.

“Students and faculty can also be enriched by the experience,” Simon said.

The 2020 plan is still in its early stage, serving as general guideline for the University, Simon said.

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Simon said the SIU Board of Trustees will review the goals in a year and assess them further.

John Brewster, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees, said he was impressed with the goals.

“It has a lot of good ideas,” he said. “These observations and thoughts come from people who are leaders in their field.”

Reporter Ben Botkin can be reached at [email protected]