As part of compilation of new strategic business plan
The University of St. Martin (USM) has invited key stakeholders from the business sector (including Government as an employer and Labor) to a Needs Assessment Summit at USM campus on July 28, 2011.
This summit is part of the higher education institution’s effort to be able to best serve St. Maarten in its new constitutional status and is being organized in close cooperation with the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The summit is scheduled from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
"During this Needs Assessment Summit key information will be obtained from USM’s valued stakeholders on what is expected of USM and most importantly how the University can foster a sustainable and synergistic partnership with the community," says USM President Annelies van den Assem.
This information will be used for a new strategic business plan.
President van den Assem adds that summit participants will have the unique opportunity to relate their institution’s concern and/or wishes as far tertiary education on St. Maarten.
The USM President adds that summit participants are being asked to prepare, on behalf of their respective organizations, a 3 to 5 minute presentation where participants motivate their ideas, suggestions and plans on how USM’s educational programs and course offerings could meet the participants specific needs.
The results will then be compiled and added to the stakeholders’ section in USM’s business plan.
Stakeholders from the business sector are asked to RSVP their attendance. Other key USM stakeholders include the Ministry of Education, Government of St. Maarten, primary and secondary educational establishments, and actual and potential students of USM. USM is already addressing some of these stakeholders and will continue to do so. Van den Assem stresses that the aim is to get feedback and input from all stakeholders for the strategic business plan.
The USM President said that she is looking forward to meeting with the various stakeholders and she thanks them in advance for their participation and contributions.
The first draft of USM’s new strategic business plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2011.