Strategic Planning Process: Creating the future

Where are we going?
Mission, vision, and strategic directions guide the future of the University. The mission is the essence of the institution, the vision expresses the University in its ideal state, and the strategic directions provide a road map to advance the mission and realize the vision.

Strategic Directions
The strategic directions were derived from the results of the SWOT study and the work of the Strategic Planning Group and the internal and external scan committees. They are grounded in the mission, vision, and positive core of the University. The strategic directions represent broad strokes pointing the University to the future. They are indications of where the University needs to renew and expand its efforts.

Over 200 people from the University community participated in a review of the strategic directions through a series of forums and a web-based questionnaire. After this review, the strategic directions were endorsed by the University's Board of Trustees on May 5, 2001.

Creating the future: How will we get there?
University and unit goals are being developed during the 2001-2002 academic year. They represent tangible and measurable initiatives for moving the University community along the path of the strategic directions.

University Goals
Proposed by the University's Goals Groups in October 2001, the goals were formulated to advance the University's strategic directions. The goals indicate not only where the University will put its efforts but also its resources. A number of forums were held in October and November, 2001 to review the proposed goals with the University community. The Board of Trustees reviewed the University goals at its December 8, 2001 meeting.

Unit Goals
Unit goals were developed in the context of the strategic directions and the University goals during the spring 2002 semester and implemented beginning July 1, 2002. The unit goals, University goals, and strategic directions are monitored through reports to the Provost twice a year.