Office of the Provost

1. What is strategic planning?

Strategic planning is a systematic process that helps organizations, including universities, define their goals and objectives for the future, and develop a roadmap to achieve them. It involves assessing the current state of the institution, setting priorities, and creating strategies to move forward effectively.

2. How is a university strategic plan different from an academic plan?

A university strategic plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the institution’s long-term vision, mission, and goals. It encompasses various aspects beyond academics and research, such as community engagement, athletics, faculty and staff development, and resource allocation. It serves as a guiding framework for the entire university.

On the other hand, an academic plan is more focused on the educational aspect of the university. It details specific goals and strategies related to curriculum development, academic programs, research priorities, and student success. While it aligns with the university’s strategic plan, an academic plan has a narrower scope.

3. What is operational planning?

Operational planning is the process of translating the high-level strategies outlined in the university’s strategic plan into actionable steps and initiatives. It involves setting short-term goals, allocating resources, and defining responsibilities to ensure that the strategic objectives are implemented effectively at the operational level. This will be done annually at a more granular level by departments or units.

4. How do I participate in university strategic planning?

Participating in university strategic planning can be a valuable way to contribute to the institution’s future. Here’s how you can get involved:

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the university’s strategic planning process. Attend meetings, workshops, or town hall sessions where updates and discussions about the plan take place.

Provide Input: Share your ideas, concerns, and suggestions with the steering committee, working groups, or relevant university stakeholders. Input from various perspectives is essential for a well-rounded plan.

Participate in Surveys and Feedback Sessions: Take the time to respond to surveys and participate in open forums or town hall meetings to express your opinions.

Engage in Campus Discussions: Engage in discussions with colleagues, students, and staff about the strategic plan. Encourage dialogue and debate to ensure that diverse viewpoints are considered.

Stay Updated: As the plan progresses, stay updated on its implementation. Provide feedback on the progress made toward achieving the outlined goals. Updates will continue to be posted on https://provost.uconn.edu/strategic-planning/

Remember that strategic planning is a collaborative effort, and the active involvement of the entire university community can lead to a more effective and inclusive plan that benefits everyone.

By actively participating in the strategic planning process, you can help shape the future of the university and ensure it aligns with the values and goals of the entire community.