Strategic Planning

 

In Enrollment and Student Services, the term “Strategic Planning” is used to refer to the entire planning, assessment, reporting, and resourcing cycle, which is summarized in the model depicted and described below. Following the model is an overview of organizational levels and timelines for each phase of the cycle.

 

Strategic Planning Model

This model was designed to:

  • Align planning across organizational levels to support university goals and metrics
  • Identify goals with corresponding assessment measures at each organizational level
  • Link resource allocations to reporting and assessment processes

 

Image of flowchart representing strategic planning process as described in the text below

Click here to view/download PDF Version of Division Strategic Planning Model

 

In this model, the University Mission and Strategic Plan Goals “feed down” to inform the division mission and goals, and in turn the mission and goals of each unit and department in the division. Likewise, the strategies identified for goal attainment at the division level inform the strategies implemented in each unit and department, and strategies at each level are continually assessed for effectiveness.

The results from continuous assessment of strategies are reported and “feed up” from the department and unit levels, to be reported in aggregate at the division level, and to inform assessment of progress in achieving University Strategic Metrics.

This model also reflects how professional standards inform the mission of each department, and how action items produced through the self-study process become strategic priorities.

Finally, this model reflects the process by which resources are allocated, as a result of strategic priorities identified at the department and unit levels, and approved at the division level to be submitted as recommendations for the University Operating Budget.

 

Strategic Planning Levels

Strategic planning occurs in ESS across organizational levels designated as units with corresponding departments, which are organized according to the chart (and summarized in text) below for the purposes of planning, assessment, reporting, and resourcing.

 

Strategic planning organizational chart for the Enrollment and Student Services division which is described in text below
 
 
  • The Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement unit includes three departments; Disability Access Center, LGBTQ+ Western, and Multicultural Student Services.
  • The Counseling, Health, and Wellness unit includes three departments; Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Health Center, and Student Resilience Office.
  • The Enrollment Management unit includes five departments; Admissions Office, Financial Aid Services, New Student Services and Family Outreach, Registrar's Office, and Veterans Services Office.
  • The Financial and Capital Resources unit includes two departments; Associated Students Bookstore and Child Development Center.
  • The Student Activities and Involvement unit includes four departments; Campus Recreation Services, Student Activities, Student Involvement, and Viking Outdoor Recreation.
  • The Student Life unit includes two departments; Office of Off-Campus Living and Student Life Office.
  • The Student Success Initiatives unit includes three departments; Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center, Career Services Center, and Western Success Scholars.
  • The University Residences unit includes one corresponding department, Residence Life.
  • The Viking Union reports at the unit level with no corresponding departments.

 

Strategic Planning Timelines

The timelines for each phase of the strategic planning cycle are based on the current accreditation cycle of the University. Core planning, assessment, reporting, and resourcing requirements by academic year are represented in the chart below, as well as the academic quarter during which each requirement is expected to be completed.

 

See accessible document linked below for content
 

Click here to download the Division Strategic Planning Timelines chart as an accessible document

 

Timelines for each phase of the strategic planning cycle can also be found on the respective page for each phase, along with additional information and resources.

 

 

Questions about any terms used on this page?

Check out the ESS Planning Glossary

Other questions about planning, assessment, or reporting in ESS?

Contact Matt Bryant, Division Planning and Assessment Consultant: matt.bryant@wwu.edu