The Florida Consortium Strategic Plan – A Completion to Career Continuum
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Bhutan is a country in South Asia on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan measures its national success on the Gross National Happiness Index instead of the Gross National Product primarily. According to the Oxford Poverty and Human Initiative, “the phrase ‘gross national happiness’ was first coined by the 4th King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 when he declared, Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product. The concept implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach towards notions of progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing. Since then the idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH) has influenced Bhutan’s economic and social policy, and also captured the imagination of others far beyond its borders.”
While this philosophy runs counter to social and economic values in the United States, perhaps higher education can learn from Bhutan. Today teaching, learning, and research is the hallmark of an effective university; however, the benefits of talent development as students matriculate is undeniable. And for students that are the first in their families to attend college; discovery, learning, along with career readiness means much more than a steady paycheck. For many students, college is a conduit to a successful, stable, and happier life. According to the Lumina Foundation’s, It’s Not Just the Money, researchers found the benefits of a college degree include:
• The incidence of poverty is 3.5 times lower.
• The likelihood of having health insurance through employment is 47 percent higher.
• The likelihood of having a retirement plan through employment is 72 percent greater.
• Job safety is greater. The incidence of receiving workers’ compensation is 2.4 times lower.
• The likelihood of being unemployed is 2.2 times lower.
• The likelihood of reporting health to be very good or excellent is 44 percent greater. (Lumina, 2014)
We began working on a strategic plan late last year. The comprehensive process included exhaustive investigation, research, and analysis. In the coming months, the Florida Consortium will roll out our new strategic plan. The strategic plan is best described as the Completion to Career Continuum and its ambitious approach to student success and life after graduation. This work is possible due to generous support from the Helios Education Foundation. Campus experts, thought partners from Helios Education Foundation, Thomas P. Miller and Associates, and distinguished local leaders have been invaluable to the Consortium’s strategic plan. Collectively we agree; quality of life in Florida is unmatched. We have beautiful beaches, warm weather, world class entertainment, and a robust economy. But a great state, needs great universities, and strong talent pipeline. Ultimately, collaboration and partnering across institutions and sectors will result in more happy healthy Floridians for years to come.
<<< Click here to watch the Florida Consortium’s Strategic Plan Update video>>>
Additional Reading
Oxford Poverty and Human Initiative
It’s Not Just the Money Lumina Foundation Report
The Debate About College Shouldn’t Be A Debate At All, Forbes
A Third of Your Freshmen Disappear. How Can You Keep Them? Chronicle of Higher Education