Strategic Planning Process Kicks Off

September 24, 2020 - 11:48am

Last spring, members of the campus community began creating Cal Poly Humboldt's Strategic Plan (2021-2026). Essential to the improvement and growth of Humboldt, this plan will articulate who we are as an institution now, what we want to work toward together, and who we want to be in five years.

The planning process, which had been postponed due to the pandemic, recently relaunched with a renewed sense of energy and purpose to develop a bold vision that's transformational and, at the same time, adaptable to the new reality of higher education.

Leading the process is President Jackson's Strategic Initiatives Committee, which develops, implements, and monitors strategic and operational planning. The committee is supported by the Technical Team and the Administrative Support Team. For details, go to the Strategic Plan website.

These groups are working to meet the President's charge:

"In order to provide a positive and meaningful educational experience for all Humboldt students, the steering committee and working groups should seek to establish a model global community and to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion within its planning. The committee should envision Humboldt as a bold, innovative institution that embraces and celebrates being a Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution."

The Strategic Plan will be informed by findings and recommendations from WASC Senior College and University Commission and other foundational documents. The process will be guided by a framework of four principles:

  • Students First: Our planning process will be driven by the interests of our students, their perspectives on what their current and future success means, and is informed by research.
  • Inclusive Process: Our planning process will be inclusive and collaborative, incorporating diverse perspectives and voices.
  • Future-Focused and Aspirational: We will co-create a plan that is a reflection of Humboldt’s history and of a full understanding of the University’s unique assets and challenges. We will articulate a collective vision for the future that recognizes the necessity for the institution to be forward-thinking, nimble, and action-oriented.
  • Strategic and Focused: Our plan will build on our history, assets, and unique opportunities and articulate Humboldt’s overarching strategic direction and distinction in the CSU.

Key to designing the Strategic Plan is collaborative engagement. Starting in October, there will be many opportunities for the campus, alumni, donors, and members of the local community to provide feedback on the Strategic Plan. Input and ideas will help the committee refine their work. By December, the committee is expected to present a draft plan to the Senate, which will review the plan and send it to President Jackson. A final draft is also expected by December.

More details on forums, plus updates and information will be communicated in campus-wide messages and posted on the Strategic Plan website.

Thank you for all that you’re doing to shape the future and enhance the student experience.