The Western Michigan University Strategic Plan
Approved by the WMU Board of Trustees December 8, 2011
The Western Michigan University Strategic Plan Indicators
The draft indicators are meant to change over time in accordance with the WMU Strategic Plan. Each vice presidential area will use these indicators to inform unit-level indicators.
President Dunn formally charged the committee at its convening on January 10, 2011, tasking it with developing a strategic plan for the University by June 30, 2011. Dr. Dunn asked the committee to create a living and useful plan that was concise yet inclusive, one that would meet foreseeable challenges and identify opportunities. The president also asked the committee to consider (but not feel bound to) four themes that have served as WMU’s guide during his tenure: student-centeredness, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, and sustainability.
Broadly speaking, the planning process occurred in four steps. The committee collected and analyzed input from WMU’s constituencies and University documents; wrote a draft strategic plan; vetted the draft plan with WMU constituencies; and rewrote and submitted the finalized draft plan for consideration by President Dunn and the Board of Trustees.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2011 | The University Strategic Planning Committee (USPC) convened for the first time and accepted the charge from President Dunn to create an institution-level strategic plan that would be a living document, forward looking and opportunity seeking. |
| February 10 – March 7, 2011 | The USPC performed a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, invited all members of the University community to participate in the exercise in one of the scheduled meetings or online survey. In total, 390 people participated (147 in person, 243 online). |
| March 29, 2011 | The USPC assembled the complete first draft of the strategic plan. |
| June 9, 2011 | The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees received an outline of strategic plan draft 14. |
| July 19, 2011 | A joint meeting of the USPC, President’s Senior Leadership Team, and Provost’s Council met to discuss and revise draft 20 of the strategic plan. During this meeting, the creation of measurements in accordance with the strategic plan was delegated to the vice presidents. |
| August 16 – October 11, 2011 | Draft 23 of the strategic plan was posted online for public comment. During this time, members of the USPC met with the same constituent groups that participated in the SWOT analysis to receive feedback. Online comment submission was set up to accommodate those unable to attend meetings. Unit leaders were encouraged to discuss the draft within their area. In total, 139 comments were received. |
| October 13-28, 2011 | The USPC finalized the strategic plan. |
| October 31, 2011 | The USPC submitted the strategic plan to President Dunn. |
| October 31, 2011 | The USPC finalized the strategic plan draft indicators. |
| November 11, 2011 | The USPC posted the final draft indicators online for public review. |
| December 8, 2011 | Based upon the recommendation from President Dunn, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved the strategic plan. |