“We must take action to preserve the health of the University— this is how the students are best served now.” and help the leaders and the organization to establish sustainable, lasting changes that would allow them to prosper. The person (and firm) selected was Patrick J. McCormick of PMCC Ventures. “When the economy was strong and colleges and universities grew, seemingly without effort, the personnel and support grew accordingly to meet students’ needs,” states Sister Francesca. “The unfortunate flipside to this is that when enrollment declines in uncertain economic times, the college system must respond as well. This is exceedingly difficult because we are talking about people, not numbers. On the other hand, the evolution of classroom learning and technology, along with new community partnerships, is a positive change. The Board of Trustees and I are
strategy to deal with these kinds of issues in years ahead,” says Robert Truitt, Chair of the Finance Committee for the Board of Trustees. “We are in the forefront of dealing with these issues and are committed to keeping Holy Family strong, safe, and financially stable.” To say that some of these changes have been difficult would be an understatement. Administration met with students for frank conversation about these changes, why they were implemented, and how they would help. The members of student government were quick to offer their assistance, asking to form student recruitment committees and wanting to know the best information and the best way to disseminate that information to help the greater student population understand what was going on. “With all of the changes, it was great to get some insight from the administration and see what Holy Family is adjusting,” remarks Jack Monari, President of the Student Government Association. “Student Government is in the position to ease our fellow students into these transitions, and hopefully, we can take one big step forward as a University.”
Action and Collaboration
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College graduates earn more and also have higher employment rates.
certain that quickening the pace of adjustment is the best decision for the University. We must take action to preserve the health of the University—this is how the students are best served now.” Lowering cost structures is not enough. “We can’t cut our way to prosperity,” Sister Francesca often points out. Reallocation of resources and program prioritization are also key. While changing cost structures was certainly the first step to avoid future financial discomfort, Holy Family is looking to the future at the course of studies it offers, the way it offers them, and the means of attracting students to its programs as well. “We are fortunate to have leadership that is focused not only on the current issues in education but also on projected
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his is what Holy Family is doing now. First, the University is making sure that costs and cost structure are in line with the realities of its revenues so that tuition remains affordable and the value of its degrees grows. Second, the University is revisiting every process and cost to make sure that it procures the highest value for money spent; this means that contracts are evaluated and internal communications are clarified. Third, the Holy Family community is looking for ways to make sure its offerings continue to be relevant to both young adult and adult students. Fourth, the Schools are investigating knowledge delivery methods and assessing outcomes to make sure that students are successfully employed and prepared to realize their career dreams. Fifth, the University is looking for ways to grow its presence in the market so that more can take advantage of its value and values. Lastly, Holy Family is embracing leadership and structural changes, which has resulted in a sharpening of its vision, increased cooperation, and more effective communication. “We are taking advantage of our size,” says Sister Maureen McGarrity, CSFN, PhD, Holy Family University’s Provost. “While many universities attempt to change through elaborate committee and report structures, our size and heritage
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