Joseph M. Mc Shane - Plans For Fordham University

Plans For Fordham University

In 2006 Father McShane unveiled a plan to enhance the reputation and the quality of education at Fordham University. The long-term goal of the University, according to McShane's plan, is to make Fordham the country's preeminent Catholic institution of higher learning. Father McShane believes that Fordham's location within New York City and its identity as a Jesuit institution are central to this vision. McShane has identified four key components of this strategic plan, as stated in a University press release:

• to advance the culture of scholarship, teaching, research and service for faculty by investing in endowed chairs and faculty development to enhance recruitment and retention and secure world-class stature for University professors

• to develop graduate and professional programs that can win distinctive excellence, national prominence and external support, as well as enhance the graduate and professional learning environment

• to develop and sustain an undergraduate culture of learning and living that will be recognized for distinctive excellence and achieve national prominence

• to generate and sustain the funding necessary to support investments in physical resources and the University endowment, and to fuel growth in annual giving.

Part of the plan is entitled Toward 2016, a reference toward the 175th anniversary of the founding of Fordham University. This 10-year phase was approved in 2005, and seeks to raise Fordham to prominence among American Catholic universities by 2016.

Additionally, Father McShane has unveiled an ambitious plan for the Lincoln Center Campus of Fordham University. The plan involves razing several buildings on the 7-acre (28,000 m2) Lincoln Center campus to make room for a new School of Law, an expanded library, student housing, a student activities center, and parking facilities. The plan will add an additional 1,500,000 square feet (140,000 m2) of space to the campus. On June 30, 2009, the plan was approved by the New York City Council.