Strategic Planning at LSSU

Presented at

Fall Convocation

August 24, 2010

Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline. Jim Collins

Status Quo is not an option

LSSU Mission and Vision Statement

• Our principal mission at Lake Superior State University is to help students develop their full potential. We do this by providing high-quality, academically rigorous programs in an engaged, personal and supportive environment. This combination nurtures potential and sets students on paths to rewarding careers and productive, satisfying lives. We also serve the regional, national and global communities by contributing to the growth, dissemination and application of knowledge.

Strategic Questions

• Who are we?

• Where are we going?

• What will it look like when we get there?

• How are we going to pay for our future?

Shared Values (draft)

• Core Values Process• The Shared Governance Strategic Planning

and Budget Committee is charged with helping develop the university strategic plan. To begin this process, the Committee, after reading several documents, including Jim Collins Aligning Actions and Values and the current mission and vision statements, determined that the logical starting place was to document the core values of the university. A survey was created and distributed to as many people on campus as could be reached.

Core Values (draft)• Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Teaching

is our first priority and focuses on providing student/faculty interaction, learning, and research in current, relevant programs.

• Opportunity. Students have a wide range of opportunities to grow academically, professionally, culturally and socially. Opportunities are provided via work-study assignments, student organizations, internships, community outreach and leadership.

• Diversity. Students experience a campus community environment which is inclusive and welcoming.

Core Values (draft)

• Ethics and Values. The University promotes an environment which values honesty, openness, and courteous behavior where everyone is treated with respect.

• Stewardship. LSSU provides a framework in which to leave the university and region financially and environmentally sound for future generations of LSSU students, alumni, and friends.

Your Strategic Planning and Budget Advisory Committee

Linda Schmitigal (Chair), Associate Professor of Management

Colleen Barr, Secretary/Steelworkers Union Executive Committee

Sherry Brooks, Vice President of Finance/Presidents Council

Ron DeLap, Dean of EngineeringGeorge Denger, Professor of

Communications/Leslie Dobbertin, Professor of Sociology

William Eilola, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing/President’s Council

Deborah Faust, Director of Financial Aid/Administrative Professionals

Mary Jo Meehan, Assistant Professor/Counselor

John Roese, Professor of Biology

Magen Umlor, Student Representative

Karizma Vance, Student Representative

Maurice Walworth, Provost

Strategic Planning Process

• A cross section of LSSU employees and the Board of Trustees (BOT) met for 1½ days in July and developed a comprehensive set of seven goals that support the mission and vision of LSSU. The Strategic Planning & Budget Advisory Committee is working to solidify those goals by developing 7-12 realistic action plans for each goal. The committee will be meeting with representatives from all of LSSU’s constituencies during the next 4-6 months to create the action plans, identify how the action plans will be measured, and determine which areas across campus will have responsibilities to ensure the action plans are carried out as planned. The entire process will be completed by February 15, 2011 with open review periods planned for public comment and input.

Strategic Planning—Board Retreat

Cisler Center, July 14 and 15

Board Retreat--Brainstorming

• Under the leadership of Traverse Management Resources, a day and a half brainstorming took place with the Board of Trustees, the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee and other campus constituents.

• The results of this brainstorming are seven goals, which will become our focus over the next few months.

Central Strategic Question at Retreat

• What do you want to see in place three years from now that will demonstrate LSSU is a model of student-focused, high quality, sustainable higher education?

Board Retreat--Goals

• Goal 1: Collaborative, committed campus community

• Goal 2: Competitive, desirable school of choice for students and families

• Goal 3: Bridges to and from the community that create pride and prosperity for both

Board Retreat--Goals

• Goal 4: Superior services and facilities for students designed to respond to changing student needs

• Goal 5: Excellent programs that maximize regional assets and opportunities

• Goal 6: High value, up-to-date educational resources that work

• Goal 7: Strategy for long-term financial stability

What’s next?

• Our focus question: If space aliens landed on LSSU’s campus three years from now, what activities would you want them to see that demonstrates achievement of these goals?

Your Input is Needed

Goal 6: High value, up-to-date educational resources that workWhat are we already doing? What we could be doing?

Goal 7: Strategy for long-term financial stabilityWhat are we already doing? What we could be doing?

If you need more space, please write on separate paper and send to Linda Schmitigal or email lschmitigal@lssu.edu with your comments by September 3, 2010.

Responsive, timely communications

Innovative living/learning opportunities

Leverage environmentally-friendly tactics

Tie spending to strategic plan

How to participate

• Paper: fill in Strategic Goals form and send to Linda Schmitigal via campus mail

• Electronic: go to www.lssu.edu/sharedgovernance/planningbudget/ and find the Strategic Goals questionnaire on the main page. Email to lschmitigal@lssu.edu

• Online: email strategic@lssu.edu to request an invitation to wiggio to complete online questionnaire.

• Attend a small group meeting either at Development Day or at a Small Group Meeting scheduled in September.

Measuring Progress