Simply put, strategic planning is a rigorous, cyclical assessment of where we are, where we want to be, how do we get there, and how do we measure progress.  This process begins with assessing the external and internal environment in which the college operates.  It is an analysis of internal and external factors that allows the planning team to see the organization as a whole in relation to its environment.  This is one of the key accomplishments of effective planning.  The results of the analysis should:

1. Point out the most significant indicators of need;
2. Aid decision makers by placing the institution’s priority issues in context; and
3. Help define or describe the significance of a strategic issue.

At this time, college-level planning is largely achieved through the leadership of the Planning and Budget Committee and the Office of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness.  The Office of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness plays a support role for the institution by conducting research and analysis on student enrollment trends, student success, providing data to campus decision makers and by writing ad hoc reports for campus groups engaged in program evaluations.  The office has spearheaded the development of an on-campus Data Warehouse and provides frequent training to campus representatives on the use of data for decision making and program evaluation.  The office has taken the lead in developing the 2008 Environmental Scan and Strategic Plan for the college, meeting with governance groups to discuss recent trends, the environmental context it faces, and formulating strategic goals for discussion.  As a result of those discussions, the college identified six strategic goals for 2008-09. 

"Strategic Plan" Our Vision for the Future

In 2011 the college held several planning summits to review its current goals, which resulted in revisions and the endorsement of five strategic goals.

New Strategic Action Plan:

2011-2012 Educational Master Plan (EMP) Recommendations & Action Plans