Susquehanna University:
A Plan for Greater Intellectual Engagement and a Stronger University Community
Introduction
Susquehanna University is a strong and vibrant institution. The University has gained strength during the past 25 years through the extraordinary efforts and generosity of faculty and staff, board members, alumni, parents, and friends, and a series of thoughtful and focused planning activities. The most recent strategic plan called for "ambitious growth in quality, size, diversity, and institutional strength." We have realized much of what the plan imagined, and as a result, the health of Susquehanna University is better than ever. These successes have bolstered confidence and elevated the expectations of the campus community.
The current planning process began in November 2001 and continued through the integration of planning with the University's decennial Middle States review process. From the beginning, this planning process has sought to be inclusive and to model collaboration among faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends. More than one thousand persons responded to our invitations to come together to assess the University and to imagine how we might strengthen the experiences of our students.
Several factors have influenced the current planning process, including a major generational shift among faculty and staff, the University's new classification as a national liberal arts college, and the need to re-dedicate our efforts to bolster diversity and to become a more inclusive community. During this time, the national economy has been deeply challenged, and we live in an era of new security concerns both at home and abroad. These factors have resulted in a growing sense of appreciation for the University's mission, health, and position, along with a determination to act as responsible stewards, while also embracing new ways to strengthen the learning experiences of our students.
The initial planning activity resulted in the faculty and the Board of Directors adopting a Statement of Strategic Vision and Themes. This framework established two commitments - achieving greater intellectual engagement and a stronger Susquehanna University community - that have guided the planning effort. These became the touchstones of the planning process, along with a set of requirements that call for us to match resources to commitments, transform practices to accomplish objectives creatively and collaboratively, and to assess our efforts in ways that foster realistic appraisal and continuous improvement.
The planning and self-study processes have also included a thorough review of the University's statement of mission and guiding values. This planning document includes the revised mission statement and guiding values that served as the foundation for consideration of the strategic initiatives. While the planning and self-study processes have yielded dozens of worthwhile ideas, it is our intention to focus institutional efforts and resources on a small set of initiatives that we believe will most enhance the student experience and strengthen the University. These strategic initiatives are aimed at constructing a more challenging and supportive educational environment.
Susquehanna University is a remarkable institution. The combination of a talented and devoted faculty and staff, strong programs, and beautiful campus and facilities make Susquehanna University an exceptional laboratory for learning. To fully realize our promise and potential, we must all think of ourselves as both teachers and learners. This strategic plan seeks to enhance the student experience, further strengthen the institution, and secure the University's standing as a national model for exemplary undergraduate education.
