Strategic plans serve as guiding frameworks for community colleges connecting all planning, institutional initiatives, and resource allocation. Hinton (2012) identifies three major components of a plan include a foundation, supporting components, and the strategic plan itself. Within these three major components, the mission statement, vision, values, and institutional goals create the context and supportive documentation for a strategic plan.
For this assignment, a large urban institution located in California was analyzed. A recently updated strategic plan encompassing a timeframe from 2016 – 2022 provides a framework for institutional planning.
Components of the Strategic Plan
This 2016 – 2022 strategic plan includes the institutional mission, the college’s five values, a one page strategic plan overview, a seven-page description under four themes with one goal per theme followed by implementation strategies. Following the four goals of the strategic plan, a two-page description of measuring success through the use of a new data dashboard and supporting the Department Planning and Program Review process is highlighted to track the success of the strategies within each goal and overall plan using leading and lagging indicators.
Actionable Data
The strategic plan uses a Completion by Design inspired model of Connection, Entry, Progress, Completion and an added Transition category to help guide proactive and policy work around student momentum and loss points. Under each category specific metrics have been identified, two with specific percentages have been published.
Opportunities this institution has to improve their strategic plan include:
- Identify a timetable for action items to be completed
- Identify responsible individuals/roles that lead actions
- Clear alignment of budget allocation and strategic plan
- Identify specific percentages/metrics to measure success
- Conduct an environmental scan to help identify, reflect, and incorporate feedback to address institutional needs and inform the goal development process (Voorhees, n.d.)
References
Hinton, K. E. (2012). A practical guide to strategic planning in higher education. Ann Arbor, MI: Society for College and University Planning. Retrieved from http://oira.cortland.edu/webpage/planningandassessmentresources/planningresources/SCPGuideonPlanning.pdf
Voorhees Group LLC. (n.d.). Strategic planning for student success. Retrieved from http://www.voorheesgroup.org/voorheesgroup-tools/Strategic%20Planning%20for%20Student%20Success.pdf
