Listening Session Summary Notes
Listening Session Summary Notes
- December 16, 2025
- December 17, 2025
Listening Session Overview
- 30 participants attended the virtual session
- 11 participants attended the in-person session
- Feedback emphasized process design, communication and inclusive engagement
1. Process Design and Structure
Participants emphasized that the strategic planning process should be iterative, transparent and inclusive.
- Multiple rounds of feedback are needed, including after draft recommendations
- Clear feedback loops: what we heard and how it will be used
- Faculty and staff should be involved early in the process
- The process should remain open-minded and flexible
- Goal is alignment across campus, described as “rowing in the right direction”
- Use an established change framework (for example, a staged change process) to help structure the planning process, support transparency and maintain momentum over time.
2. Unit Level and Small Group Engagement
Support for unit level and small group conversations.
- Unit conversations are preferred by many participants
- Some unit discussions should occur without leadership present
- Unit discussions allow reflection and dialogue rather than on the spot responses.
- Interdisciplinary group discussions are also valued.
- Seek feedback from student affairs staff who have their “feet on the ground” with students.
3. Communication, Transparency and Trust
Clear communication is essential to trust.
- Regular updates throughout the process
- Avoid long gaps that lead to rumors and anxiety
- Clear progression from suggestions to decisions
- Suggested a progress bar on the website
- Feedback should be consolidated into themes and visibly used
- Faculty, staff and student input is equally valued
4. Advance Preparation for Engagement
- Share questions and format of sessions in advance of the collaborative workgroup session. This will supports deeper reflection and more meaningful discussion.
5. External Stakeholder Engagement
External voices are critical.
- Employers should be asked about expectations for graduates
- Parents, caregivers and students should be asked why they chose UM-Flint
- Separate winter semester brainstorm with external stakeholders recommended
- Engage Flint community members in accessible locations (e.g., libraries, hair salons, grocery stores)
6. Outreach and Engagement Support
- Marketing and Communications should create engagement materials for external stakeholders.
- Outreach to external stakeholders should occur through existing relationships.
Suggested UM-Flint stakeholders to contact to obtain a list of external stakeholders:
- Suzanne Knight
- Gary Ashley
- John Girdwood
- Martez Warren
- Todd Womack
- Sara Barton
- Antonio Riggs
- Rob McCullough
- Paula Nas
- Nic Custer
- Phillip Thompson
- Callum Carr
- Ellen Echols
- Megan Babcock
7. Institutional Identity and Alignment
- Emphasize UM-Flint as a campus of opportunity
- Engage Ann Arbor and Dearborn leadership and regents
- Clarify UM-Flint’s role within the three-campus system
8. Data and Environmental Scan
- Include Inclusive History Project research results
Listening Session Action Items
This summary will be shared with the Steering Committee via email for review. On January 8, the committee will meet to discuss the feedback and integrate as many of these ideas as possible into the planning process.