The Strategic Imperatives report that established the initial four planning imperatives also contained suggestions on supporting the implementation process. Specifically, the report indicated that successful articulation and implementation of the NIU Great Journeys Strategic Plan would depend on the subsequent actions of the university’s colleges, departments, centers, and programs. Recognizing that developing commitments and corresponding action plans would require time, there were four important initiatives that were recommended to be launched centrally. One initiative described the enhancement of the NIU teaching and learning environment. The Academic Infrastructure Initiatives recommended providing sufficient instructional and related funds to make the following investments:

 Increased budget allocations for:

• The university libraries, including increases in the subscription budget to match inflation
• Instructional equipment, particularly technology
• Additional support for impacted majors
• Experiential learning opportunities for students
• Upper-division honors courses with and across majors.

 Additional faculty lines to:

• Staff high-demand general education courses
• Reduce class/section sizes
• Provide additional instruction within existing degree programs
• Jump-start innovative multidisciplinary degrees that support the educational, health care, and/or workforce needs of the region

In addition, additional funds were recommended for the Reward and Regard Initiatives to:

• Promote salary equity and competiveness
• Establish a richer mix of rewards and incentives

FY09 Expenses and Revenues - Infrastructure Support

FY10 Expenses and Revenues - Infrastructure Support

FY11 Expenses and Revenues - Infrastructure Support