May 4, 2026
Dear NU Faculty and Staff,
More than a year ago, our University’s Board of Regents approved the Odyssey to the Extraordinary, a strategic vision built on five pillars and associated strategies that provide a unified framework for decision-making, priority-setting, and measuring progress across all of the academic and business units of the NU System. At the same time, the Odyssey’s unified framework allows each campus to advance its contributions to this work in ways that reflect its unique mission and strengths.
Since then, we have worked to design a roadmap for our shared Odyssey. We have identified 14 strategies aligned to these pillars, and across our campuses, we have begun developing Operational Strategic Initiatives (OSIs) that translate these strategies into action.
This first year has been a learning experience. We have seen some variation in how OSIs have been developed and applied at each campus level. A well-developed OSI is aligned with one or more strategies, is specific and measurable, and builds on an area of strength or addresses an area with potential for growth. Ultimately, it should help move the campus, institute, or business unit forward in ways aligned with the pillars and strategies.
With that in mind, our university community is about to begin developing OSIs for the second year of our Odyssey:
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This spring, each college, large business unit, large center, and system-wide institute is expected to identify, at a minimum, one OSI connected to each of our Odyssey’s 14 strategies;
- OSIs for the 2026-2027 academic year are to be developed by June 30, 2026;
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Departments, smaller centers, and schools also have the option to enter OSIs this year, though it is not required; however, they will be expected to develop them for the 2027–2028 academic year;
- Entities that enter OSIs will provide quarterly updates to track progress.
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Additionally, we have recognized a need for greater clarity around the Strategic Progress Indicators (SPIs). Strategic Progress Indicators—such as enrollment, graduation rates, externally sponsored research awards, research expenditures, and other key measures—are designed to help us understand our progress and, ideally, demonstrate both momentum and growth.
To enhance transparency around these indicators, we plan to take the following steps:
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- Beginning in July 2026, we will release most SPIs, along with campus-level baseline values;
- Later this academic year, we will offer educational sessions to build a shared understanding of the SPIs;
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On each campus, leaders, faculty, and staff will review these indicators to determine how they align with the campus mission and the extent to which each college, institute, center, department, and business unit contributes to system-wide indicators;
- Campuses may collaborate to develop two to three additional SPIs that better capture and highlight progress in areas such as the creative arts.
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In the weeks ahead, campuses will receive additional communication from their Chancellors outlining local processes and expectations, as well as opportunities to participate in next steps. We remain committed to transparency, ongoing refinement, and to creating opportunities for questions and discussion.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our state, and to one another. Together, we will continue advancing this shared journey and shaping a stronger future for the University of Nebraska.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of Nebraska System
Neal Schnoor, Ph.D.
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Katherine S. Ankerson
Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Dele Davies, M.D.
Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha
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3835 Holdrege Street | Lincoln, NE 68583 US
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