STRATEGIC PLANNING IN A LEARNING COLLEGE

In the Final Report from the Comprehensive Accreditation Visit, the 2002 visiting HLC team summarized its concerns regarding strategic planning as follows:

Strategic planning is central not only to the criterion, but for the operational health of the college. Without question, the strategic planning process at the college has improved since the 1991 Team Visit. Clear evidence of planning documents exists (i.e. facilities plan, operational plan, technology plan, etc.), however these documents remain largely incomplete.

Additionally as part of the visit, the Team determined that concern existed among faculty and staff regarding their low level of involvement, lack of awareness regarding goal achievement, or an understanding of how progress of the plan is evaluated. Further, a review of the aforementioned plans offers no clear linkages with other college plans, or with the college budgets. Finally, with the exception of the annualized operation plan, there was little indication of staff responsible, resource implications, timeline for implementation, and evaluative components to the plans.

During the required Focused Visit, the Team should expect:
  • Involvement of employees, at all levels within the organization, in the plan's development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Indications of the following key elements in the college's strategic plan: staff responsible, budgetary implications, evaluation and probable timelines for implementation.
  • Linkage to the college's stated mission and goals.
  • Department and individual administrative goals that flow from those of the strategic plan and assume responsibility for appropriate parts of the plan.
  • A method for assessing progress throughout the time designated for action and for summarizing actions upon completion.
  • Linkages from the institutional strategic plan with other departmental plans.
  • Clear and direct involvement from the Board of Trustees in establishing the college's mission and vision.
  • An institutionally communicated and supported mission.

The staff of Sauk Valley Community College recognized that these concerns needed to be addressed. The staff acknowledged the benefits that would accrue from a well coordinated, comprehensive system for students, the institution, and all of its stakeholders. Staff have come together as a team and worked diligently to create a comprehensive system that addresses the Team's concerns and moves the College forward.

Source: Assurance Section/ Section Two: Report of a Comprehensive Evaluation Visit to Sauk Valley Community College, April 1-3, 2002.