An Update on the Quick-Look Assessment

General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III
Interim President

September 15, 2023

Members of the Aggie Family,

As we close out the week, I want to provide you with an update on the quick-look assessment of the Path Forward.

As a reminder, in early August, I charged a small team with assessing the major Path Forward changes that were implemented over the past year. The assessment team, led by Joe Pettibon, vice president for planning, assessment and strategy, included Matt Fry, associate vice president for research; Deborah Wright, associate vice president for budget and planning; and Dr. Tim Scott, vice provost for student success.

In a few short weeks, the team conducted more than 100 listening sessions with key stakeholders, culminating in an initial report with observations and recommendations for next steps that was shared with my cabinet on Sept. 1.

Over the last week, I’ve joined the team for additional listening sessions with leadership groups across campus as they share their findings and gather feedback on successes and continuing challenges. These visits have included meetings with the Council of Deans and executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Council of Principal Investigators, Distinguished Professors, University Staff Council and Senior Faculty Advisory Committee, as well as student leaders. There are more meetings scheduled as they continue to fine-tune their report.

Early next week, I anticipate releasing the final report from the assessment team for each of you to review, and then submit your feedback via an online form. We plan to provide one week for you to offer comments. I will also make myself available during this period for six informal listening sessions open to those interested. Times and locations will be announced early next week.

After I’ve had a chance to review your comments, I’ll make decisions on the assessment team’s recommendations. I’ll share those decisions at an all-faculty, staff and student meeting the morning of Oct. 4. Additional details on this meeting (which we will offer both in person and via livestream) are forthcoming.

I hope you will join me in thanking the entire assessment team for their quick, yet thorough work on this important effort. I also want to thank each of you for your active engagement. Your honest feedback will help inform our next steps as a university, and I appreciate your continued involvement! As we move forward, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at president@tamu.edu.

Thanks again, and Gig ’em!

r/mark
General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, Interim President