strategic planning for the auburn university system university senate july 8, 2008

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY

SYSTEM

University SenateJuly 8, 2008

STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

• The Strategic Plan is a system-level plan based on input from both campuses and from external constituents.

STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

• The plan is based on six strategic priorities as shown in the Board resolution.

STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

• The six priorities and associated action steps are noted at the “Special Features” page of Auburn’s website.

STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS

• Preparatory work under way since Fall 2006• Dr. Gogue calls for input Fall 2007• Draft presented to Board February 2008• Call for input on priorities identified in draft• Board workshop on April 24, 2008

SIX STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

1. Elevate Undergraduate Education and Enrich the Undergraduate Experience.

2. Build the Foundation for a Stronger and Larger Funded-Research Enterprise.

SIX STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

3. Expand the Impact of the University’s Extension and Outreach Activities, Better Serving Our Communities and the State.

4. Redouble Efforts to Support, Develop, and Strengthen Our People.

SIX STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

5. Commit to Continuous Improvement in Strengthening Our Management Approaches and Increasing Our Efficiency.

SIX STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

6. Continue to Dramatically Expand the Endowment, Annual Fund, and Gifts to the University to Support Academic Excellence and Increase Scholarships

IMPLEMENTATION

The six strategic priorities are the basis for initiatives and actions that lead to measurable results.

EXAMPLE OF ACTION STEPS ASSOCIATED WITH A SPECIFIC PRIORITY AND INITIATIVE

Strategic Priority: Elevate Undergraduate Education and Enrich the Undergraduate Experience

Initiative: increase selectivity

EXAMPLE OF ACTION STEPS ASSOCIATED WITH A SPECIFIC PRIORITY AND INITIATIVE

Action Steps: • Implement requirement of ACT writing exam• Develop a new model for the Honors College

PROGRESS REPORTING AND ANNUAL REVISION

• How to make this a living document.• A Strategy Review Council, chaired by

Provost, including representatives of faculty, students, administrators at both campuses, will review progress toward goals annually, discuss progress with stakeholders, and recommend changes.

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Full implementation of ACT writing exam for all entering freshmen in 2009

• New Honors College model agreed upon with initial implementation by 2009

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Writing center established

• Establish a clear understanding of what international skills and abilities students need and the means to develop them

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Determine optimal class sizes, based on pedagogy, to improve graduation rates

• Support students in the creation of a wellness and sustainability center

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Determine which programs and departments are targeted for graduate student growth and begin implementation of programs to attract high-performing graduate candidates

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Create 50 joint appointments to facilitate interdisciplinary research

• Develop an AU presence in Huntsville for research growth

FIRST YEAR GOALS

• Develop an online master’s degree

• Identify ways AU can make the most impact in local school districts; develop and implement initiatives with two districts beginning Fall 2009