The purpose of this document is to outline a comprehensive university
planning process that guides the development of university themes and plans
in an integrated, collaborative manner.
The following elements are included: (a) description of plan components,
(b) identification of key players, and (c) statement of the process and
timeframe.
Plan Components:
SWOT Analysis
an assessment of internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities
and threats that impact the institution's ability to achieve its mission,
vision, goals and strategies
Strategic Directions
broad, long-term areas of focus and emphasis for the institution; they
represent major priorities of University leadership and generally impact
the entire institution; should be limited to 5-6
Annual Imperatives
those issues impacting the institution that need immediate, intentional
action and resolution by the institution; may be external in scope, but
in most instances are internally oriented and may effect multiple university
outcomes; should be limited to 5-7 per year
Unit Goals and Plans
statement of overarching goals for major university units (divisions, colleges,
and primary constituent areas), as well as action plans for those respective
areas)
Identification of Key Players:
University President and Cabinet, University Planning Council, President's
Advisory Council, Institutional Research, Vice Presidents, Deans, and
Unit Directors
Statement of Process and Timeframe:
- The University Planning Council meets with the President to receive
his views and perceptions of the current year's
progress against plan, as well as major strategic issues (internal and
external) impacting the University in the year ahead. In addition
he shares his thoughts on potential strategic directions the Council
should consider for the year. The University Planning Council also
solicits input from the University community about strategic issues. (January)
- Cabinet meets with President to assess overall progress against university
Strategic Directions, Annual Imperatives, and unit goals. (January)
- University Planning Council conducts SWOT Analysis. (February-March)
- University Planning Council leadership meets with Cabinet to present
SWOT Analysis findings, Strategic Directions, and Annual Imperatives. (March)
- President and Cabinet finalize Strategic Directions and Annual Imperatives
for the coming year. (April)
- Strategic Directions and Annual Imperatives shared by President with
PAC. (late April)
- Vice Presidents and President conduct year-end assessment of current
year results against major goals and unit plans. (May)
- Using the Strategic Directions, Annual Imperatives, and year-end assessment,
as the institutional context, Vice Presidents identify their major goals
for the upcoming fiscal year. (May)
- Unit plans developed within each Division that align with major goals. (May-June)
- President communicates "Annual Imperatives" as
part of his opening day address. (August)
- Vice-Presidents share their respective plans (goals and major strategies)
with Cabinet, highlighting areas where collaboration is critical to successful
outcomes. (August-September)
- University Planning Council and President meet with FSBC/UBC to communicate
primary themes and key strategies for upcoming year. (September)
Please click here to see a
Diagram of the
Strategic Planning Process at BGSU
