As described previously, the varied activities made possible through the Bush Foundation grant funding had a noticeably positive impact on faculty growth and development in the Consortium colleges. Given the pattern of success associated with the Bush Foundation grants awarded to the Consortium, the member colleges had a strong desire to build on this foundation and consequently developed a new faculty development proposal for consideration by the Bush Foundation.

However, after reviewing the proposal, Consortium representatives felt they needed more time to develop a strong comprehensive faculty development plan. Consortium representatives asked the Bush Foundation for a planning grant rather than immediately pursuing funding for a renewal grant.

Before the planning grant was developed the NDTYCC was reorganized into the NDCCC. This reorganization focused on appropriate and effective leadership. To this end, each college has committed to identifying and supporting three representatives (two faculty and one administrator) who will actively participate in directing the work of the Consortium. These representatives comprise the Coordinating Committee of the North Dakota Community College Consortium. Further, the Coordinating Committee committed itself to working with the five colleges to fund a full-time project director position.