{"id":86,"date":"2026-07-10T10:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T14:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/?page_id=86"},"modified":"2026-07-10T11:04:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:04:43","slug":"listening-session","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/listening-session\/","title":{"rendered":"Listening Session Summary Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-content\/themes\/flintblock\/assets\/images\/sidewalk-art.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 95%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 95%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-772eefb880de53ca0308ec12b53a951a\">Listening Session Summary Notes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-a651bd7d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" 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\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/engagement-opportunities\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Engagement Opportunities<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/data-and-input\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Data and Input<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Data and Input submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/data-and-input-mission-vision\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Mission, Vision and Values Summary<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/feedback-on-mission-statement\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Feedback on Mission Statement<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/feedback-on-vision-statement\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Feedback on Vision Statement<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/components\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Strategic Planning Components<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/project-charter\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Project Charter<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/committees\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Committees<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/listening-session\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Listening Session Summary Notes<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Listening Session Summary Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>December 16, 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>December 17, 2025\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Listening Session Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30 participants attended the virtual session<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>11 participants attended the in-person session<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feedback emphasized process design, communication and inclusive engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">1. Process Design and Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants emphasized that the strategic planning process should be iterative, transparent and inclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Multiple rounds of feedback are needed, including after draft recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear feedback loops: what we heard and how it will be used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty and staff should be involved early in the process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The process should remain open-minded and flexible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goal is alignment across campus, described as \u201crowing in the right direction\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use an established change framework (for example, a staged change process) to help structure the planning process, support transparency and maintain momentum over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">2. Unit Level and Small Group Engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support for unit level and small group conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unit conversations are preferred by many participants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some unit discussions should occur without leadership present<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unit discussions allow reflection and dialogue rather than on the spot responses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interdisciplinary group discussions are also valued.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek feedback from student affairs staff who have their \u201cfeet on the ground\u201d with students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">3. Communication, Transparency and Trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear communication is essential to trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regular updates throughout the process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid long gaps that lead to rumors and anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear progression from suggestions to decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suggested a progress bar on the website<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feedback should be consolidated into themes and visibly used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty, staff and student input is equally valued<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">4. Advance Preparation for Engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share questions and format of sessions in advance of the collaborative workgroup session. This will supports deeper reflection and more meaningful discussion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">5. External Stakeholder Engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">External voices are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employers should be asked about expectations for graduates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents, caregivers and students should be asked why they chose UM-Flint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Separate winter semester brainstorm with external stakeholders recommended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage Flint community members in accessible locations (e.g., libraries, hair salons, grocery stores)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">6. Outreach and Engagement Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marketing and Communications should create engagement materials for external stakeholders.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outreach to external stakeholders should occur through existing relationships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suggested UM-Flint stakeholders to contact to obtain a list of external stakeholders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suzanne Knight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gary Ashley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>John Girdwood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Martez Warren<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Todd Womack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sara Barton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antonio Riggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rob McCullough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paula Nas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nic Custer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phillip Thompson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Callum Carr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ellen Echols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Megan Babcock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">7. Institutional Identity and Alignment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emphasize UM-Flint as a campus of opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage Ann Arbor and Dearborn leadership and regents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarify UM-Flint\u2019s role within the three-campus system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">8. Data and Environmental Scan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include Inclusive History Project research results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Listening Session Action Items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1gBC5d3QImFx5HVAIOaYBxvSGkbCfk-OM\/edit?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=115735487152947909083&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Print only Listening Session Summary Notes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listening Session Summary Notes Listening Session Overview 1. Process Design and Structure Participants emphasized that the strategic planning process should be iterative, transparent and inclusive. 2. Unit Level and Small Group Engagement Support for unit level and small group conversations. 3. Communication, Transparency and Trust Clear communication is essential to trust. 4. Advance Preparation for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-86","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/86","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=86"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/86\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/86\/revisions\/92"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=86"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}