Department Planning Process
Purpose
In an institution as complex and diverse as St. Cloud State University, a successful Academic Action Planning process must combine an overarching institutional planning effort with the identification and development of programmatic opportunities at the department and college level. As part of the Academic Action Planning process, academic departments are asked to provide information on their envisioned future of their department that identifies programmatic goals and financial and space needs.
Programmatic recommendations identified by departments should align with the Strategic Priorites and Objectives developed through the University's Strategic Planning process. Programmatic recommendations will be considered as part of the overall Academic Action Plan, as well as the Facilities and Fundraising plans. Because of limited resources, not all programmatic ideas will be incorporated in the Academic Action Plan, but they will be reviewed to identify common themes, possible research clusters, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that hold particular promise for the University. The intent of the department planning process is to look for academic synergies and opportunities. These opportunities can be used in marketing the University to new students, bringing additional funding to campus, and enhancing the overall reputation of the institution.
Process
- Departments complete the Department Planning Template by Feb. 22
- Department Planning Templates posted to Academic Action Planning web site by Feb. 25
- College deans, with input from college faculty, prioritize and look for opportunities for collaboration and synergy within and across the colleges by March 14
- Work Group on Academic Program Mix and Development reviews department plans and look for opportunities for collaboration and synergy within the university by March 14
Planning Materials Provided
The following reports are provided to assist with departmental planning. Questions about the reports or requests for additional data analysis can be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at 308-1746.
- SCSU Strategic Priorities and Objectives
- Current major programs and/or services
- Enrollment and student credit hour generation trends
- Budget trends
- Graduating Senior Survey results
- Geographic/market reach of current programs
- Current St. Cloud State University articulation agreements and educational partnerships
- St. Cloud State University peer institutions and comparative data
- Statewide job growth/market demand data
