In just under two years, John Jay College of Criminal Justice will turn 50 years old. Given the school’s international reputation and its impact on so many areas of society – not to mention the more than 31,000 alumni who are making their mark on the world – some will find it surprising that the school is “only” 50 years old. As we approach the half century mark, this is an auspicious time to imagine what the College could be and should be @ 50. And through the development of a Master Plan, not only can we imagine it, we can actually create it.

The new Master Plan will guide the course of the College through academic year 2015 and beyond. It will set the College’s priorities, determine how we will meet our goals, and, importantly, establish how we will measure our progress. Because all members of the College community will be guided by the goals set forth in the Master Plan, it is only appropriate that the entire community have a voice in creating the Plan. Therefore, the master planning process has been designed to be inclusive and expansive, welcoming voices and view points from all quarters of the College itself, but also from our friends in the larger community who care as passionately about the welfare of John Jay as those who work and study here every day.

It is a rare opportunity to be able to participate in shaping the future of a major institution like John Jay College. The success of this entire endeavor is dependent upon all us of taking an active role in the planning process – completing the surveys, attending Town Hall meetings, contributing to the Idea Walls, etc. Let us not forget that it was the power of a single idea almost 50 years ago that led to the creation of this amazing College. That is a powerful legacy; and now it’s our turn. On the cusp of a half century of educating for justice, let us all commit to doing our part in shaping the future of John Jay College.

Our College. Our Voice. Our Moment.