Strategic Plan Updates

November 25, 2024

Momentum is growing as we shape the next chapter of our Strategic Plan. The process is well underway, marked by dynamic discussions, surveys, and events that bring voices from across our community into the fold. This journey is about more than planning; it’s about fostering connections and laying the groundwork for bold, strategic actions.

We're thrilled to report that more than 1,000 instances of participation have been recorded across our Strategic Planning activities, including meetings, surveys, and events. This impressive level of engagement highlights the strong collective interest in shaping Stockton's future. While this number represents total participation rather than unique individuals, it underscores the enthusiasm and dedication of our community in contributing their voices to this important process.

As we move from gathering input to drafting the plan, we remain committed to aligning our vision with Stockton’s mission, values, and aspirations. Your continued involvement will be essential as we progress.

Working Group Highlights:

Mission, Vision, Values

  • Charge: Review the current mission, vision, and values statements and recommend revisions as needed.
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Mike Law and Tara Williams
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Lee Bryant
  • Update: Hosted four community discussions, engaging 300+ participants through virtual and in-person town halls and a Faculty Senate session. Feedback is being analyzed, with recommendations to the Strategic Planning Committee expected by January 2025.

Review of the Current Strategic Plan

  • Charge: Review the progress of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan and recommend which strategic priorities to stop, enhance, or reduce.
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Norma Boakes and Adriane Sicknick
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Sequetta Sweet
  • Update: Organized six subgroups reviewing data from FY 2021–2023. Findings will inform strategic priorities, with an executive summary expected by the end of the Fall semester. 

Communications

  • Charge: Develop, review, approve, and disseminate all communication materials related to the planning process.
  • Co-Chairs: Geoffrey Pettifer and Emari DiGiorgio
  • SPSC Liaison: Monica Viani
  • Update: Launched the SWOT survey and identified opportunities to promote participation through events, outreach, and creative strategies like prizes. Teams are enhancing the Strategic Planning website for both information-sharing and engagement. 

American Association of State Colleges & Universities (AASCU) Framework

  • Charge: Collaborate with AASCU facilitators to align strategic priorities with best practices identified through the Postsecondary Value Commission Action Agenda (PVCAA).
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Naz Onel and Dr. Haley Baum
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Amanda Norvell
  • Update: Outlined responsibilities, reviewed facilitators’ workshops, and aligned planning efforts with PVCAA principles. Leaders from other working groups met to share updates and ensure alignment, with next steps including framework distribution and follow-ups.

Dr. Ashlee Roberts will be serving as the Steering Committee Co-Chair, contributing her valuable insights and leadership to guide our planning process.

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC) is leading this effort to align Stockton’s academic, administrative, and operational units and secure our future as a premier regional university. Our charge includes initiating and overseeing a process that aligns with our mission, vision, and values, while working closely with the President to ensure the plan reflects our institutional aspirations and future needs.

A key part of this process is inclusivity. We will engage with stakeholders across campus to gather diverse perspectives that will shape our university’s priorities and strategic direction. Additionally, we are committed to ongoing communication, sharing progress, and celebrating milestones as we work toward our final plan in September 2025. 

Working Groups Update: 

Mission, Vision, Values 

  • Charge: Review the current mission, vision and values statements and recommend revisions as needed. 
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Mike Law and Tara Williams 
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Lee Bryant 
  • This group held its first meeting on Sept. 18, emphasizing that their work is to review, not rewrite, the mission and vision. They will soon be reaching out to the campus for feedback. 

Review of the Current Strategic Plan 

  • Charge: Review the progress of the 2020-25 Strategic Plan and recommend which strategic priorities to stop, enhance or reduce. 
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Norma Boakes and Adriane Sicknick 
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Sequetta Sweet 
  • The group has been meeting since early September, organizing into smaller teams to review the plan's different themes. They conducted their first full meeting on Sept. 24 and set a three-week deadline for subgroup progress. The next full meeting is scheduled for early October. 

Communications 

  • Charge: Develop, review, approve and disseminate all communication materials related to the planning process. 
  • Co-Chairs: Geoffrey Pettifer and Emari DiGiorgio 
  • SPSC Liaison: Monica Viani 
  • The Communications group held its first meeting on Oct. 2 to brainstorm ways to engage the Stockton community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners. Work is also underway on the strategic plan’s website, which will include updates and engagement features. 

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Framework 

  • Charge: Collaborate with AASCU facilitators to align strategic priorities with best practices identified through the Postsecondary Value Commission Action Agenda (PVCAA). 
  • Co-Chairs: Dr. Naz Onel and Dr. Haley Baum 
  • SPSC Liaison: Dr. Amanda Norvell 
  • The subgroup met with AASCU consultants on Sept. 13 and held a comprehensive workshop on Sept. 26-27. During the workshop, they discussed aligning Stockton’s strategic plan with PVCAA best practices and developed potential strategic goals. They will soon distribute an organizational readiness survey campuswide. 

How You Can Get Involved:

  • Participate in upcoming forums, small group meetings, or provide input through our surveys. 
  • Engage with e-tools and interactive panels that will soon be available. 
  • Share your ideas directly with working group members or submit suggestions to StrategicPlan@stockon.edu.