Raven Lirio
Copy Editor
Back in fall semester, Pacific Lutheran University president Allan Belton established the Presidential Commission for Innovation and Change. It is seeking bold and innovative ideas to suggest to both the President and Provost for the future of the university.
“The Commission is charged to source, develop, and bring new ideas forward, make recommendations to the President and Provost, and assist in the coordination and implementation of approved concepts that result in revenue generation and or expense savings,” said Cameron Bennett, Dean of the School of Arts and Communication.
The Commission aims to find ideas that will lead to meaningful and long-term cost savings. “It is designed to move PLU forward and help make our institution thrive for years to come as we continue to make an important impact on higher education in the Pacific Northwest,” Bennett said.
It is currently reviewing over 200 submitted ideas from faculty, staff and students for review.
“We encourage individuals to think within their department and division, but also to think about ideas for innovation and change in other parts of the university,” Bennett said. “Allow themselves to step outside the lane or box that we sometimes place ourselves in.”
The current timeline for the Commission can be found on their website, which is ePass protected. Ideas can be submitted to their “Call for Ideas” form. Students are encouraged to submit suggestions to their form but can also reach out to any of the Commission members for input and ideas.
“By early February we will have filtered and categorized ideas,” Bennett said. “A select number will be determined to move forward for further consideration and review. By the end of May, we will present to the President and Provost ideas that we recommend for which PLU moves forward.” Bennett said.
More information can be found, and ideas submitted, at https://www.plu.edu/innovation-change.
