Students having fun a a football game

Strategic Planning Process

Background

In 2005, the Strategic Planning Process was introduced to the Division of Student Affairs.  Seven departments (the Dean of Students' Office, University Housing, Campus Recreaion, the Office of Judicial Affairs, Orientation and New Student Programs, Student Media and Student Activities) were involved in the pilot.  Seven broad goals (Professional Development, Staff Development, Program Development, Innovative use of Technology, Assessment, Customer Service, and Fiscal Planning) were included in the pilot.  More than 300 objectives were developed by departments.  Included in the process were a template, monthly reporting process, and feedback measures.  At the end of the year, monthly goals and objective reports were compiled to produce a comprehensive annual report and employee performance evaluations. 

In 2006, the Strategic Planning Process was introduced to all departments in the Division of Student Affairs.  Directors received training and instructions on how to build objectives.  Again, the process was used to provide periodic feedback and performance evaluations.

In 2007, the seven original goals were re-evaluated and revised to include the following six:

  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Collaboration and Communication
  • Professional Development
  • Program and Service Development
  • Student Learning and Development
  • Technology Enhancement

The Strategic Planning Process involves six steps:

  1. Establish the vision – The vision is a broad statement of where leadership would like to take the organization in the future.  What type of future do we hope to create?
  1. Determine the mission – The mission is an operational statement of how the organization will achieve its vision.  Who are we, what do we do, who do we serve?
  1. Identify shared values – Values are the spirit with which we agree to work towards the vision and mission of the organization.  What do we value?
  1. Clarify goals – Goals are a limited number of organizational priorities focused on achieving the stated mission.
  1. Build SMART objectives – Multiple objectives lead to successfully realized goals.  Objectives are specific, strategic, measurable, attainable, action-oriented, relevant, realistic and timed.
  1. Implementation – The involvement and alignment of goals and objectives with key organizational activities (e.g. publications, periodic reports, performance audit, annual report, performance evaluations, committees, rewards, and professional development).