Implementing past HLC recommendations regarding strategic planning have made us a better University – and your work makes it all possible to achieve our Goals and Strategies
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin
Since the HLC’s last comprehensive visit in 2008, we have made demonstrable progress in the evolution of our strategic plan, including the enhancement of our Goals and Strategies (Quality, Student Success, Growth & Community), execution of action plans, University-wide alignment on key priorities, and effective and aligned resource allocation designed to support academic quality. This is discussed in Criterion Two of our Self-Study (which is found online at www.ncu.edu).
In relation to strategic planning best practices, in August of 2011, our Senior Leadership Team conducted a strategy refresh to ensure the strategic plan effectively addressed changing external (economic indicators, regulatory environment, competition) and internal (governance changes, progress on key initiatives, etc.) conditions. At this time, our Goals and Strategies were recalibrated to clarify and better articulate how the University defines the long-term plans necessary to achieve success. Every key initiative at Northcentral is now linked to a strategy designed to support the institution we aspire to be: A global leader in providing unprecedented access to U.S. regionally accredited higher education. That means we the work you do is directly linked to the strategies that must be executed to achieve our Mission.
One of the things the HLC explores in its Comprehensive Visit is whether or not the allocation of our resources and processes for evaluation and planning demonstrate our capacity to fulfill our Mission. As our Reaffirmation of Accreditation Site Visit rapidly approaches (October 8-10), I can assure you that our strategic planning and budgeting processes are mapped directly to our Mission and responsive to our academic needs.
As we’ve sharpened our focus, there are several enhancements we can take pride in across the University that help achieve our Mission, and help ensure successful outcomes for our valued students. Some examples include:
As you can see from this brief list, student success is paramount here at Northcentral, and we will continue to achieve our Mission as a result of our strong strategic planning processes.
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to continuous quality improvement.