Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Purpose of DU's Strategic Issues Program


Each year since 2004, the University of Denver has established a panel of distinguished Colorado citizens to examine an important public policy issue facing our state. Past panels have examined economic and fiscal issues facing the state, strategies for creating a sustainable water future, and processes for revising Colorado’s Constitution.

Whatever the topic, the purpose of all strategic issues panels is to study a critical public issue and provide non-partisan recommendations that raise the level of public awareness and provide a basis for informed policy deliberations. The goal is to raise the visibility of important issues with the media, legislators and the public and to develop thoughtful recommendations that reflect the collective insight of panel members. This is achieved through an open process of informed discourse and consensus-based decision making.

As an educational and research institution, the role of the University of Denver is to examine issues, raise the level of public awareness, and encourage informed public discussion. What the University does not do is advocate particular policy positions, even those recommended by the Strategic Issues Panels. In brief, the role of the University is to inform, not advocate.

No comments: