Strategic Planning

In Student Affairs, 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

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 Student Affairs 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.

• The Centers for Student Access, Community and Intercultural Engagement [The Centers] unit includes three departments; Disability Access Center, LGBTQ+ Western, and Multicultural Student Services.
• The Counseling, Health, and Wellness unit includes four departments; Campus Recreation Services, Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Health Center, and Health Promotion/Student Resilience.
• The Financial and Capital Resources unit includes two departments; Associated Students Bookstore and Child Development Center.
• The Student Governance & Civic Engagement unit includes two departments; Associated Student Government and Civic Engagement Office.
• The Student Life unit includes three departments; Basic Needs Hub, Student Engagement, and Student Life.
• The Student Success Initiatives unit includes two departments; Career Services Center and Western Success Scholars.
• The University Residences unit includes one corresponding department, Residence Life.
• The Viking Union unit includes two departments; Event Services and Lakewood Facility.

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.

Click here to view/download PDF version of Division Strategic Planning Timelines chart

Questions about any terms used on this page?

Check out the SA Strategic Planning Glossary

Other questions about planning, assessment, or reporting in Student Affairs?

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