Strategic Planning Process
The College of Charleston engaged in a comprehensive and coordinated strategic planning effort that involved many members of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, community representatives and friends.
This resulted in articulating a shared vision of the College’s future. We identified key strategic priorities and specific outcomes tied to actionable plans.
On May 7, 2020, the Board of Trustees approved the Strategic Plan.
Strategic Planning Approach
Our objective was to make the strategic planning process collaborative, inclusive and transparent. Our goal was to create opportunities for deep listening and inclusive engagement. To that end, we hosted a series of interactive workshops, focus groups, interviews, surveys and other outreach efforts over the course of the strategic planning process. These opportunities allowed for input from a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, administration, staff, students, alumni, industry and community partners.
Strategic Planning Timeline
The strategic planning process kicked off in August 2019. We offered workshops, focus groups, surveys and other engagement opportunities from August through October. After presenting an initial draft of the strategic plan in early winter, we offered additional opportunities for feedback before finalizing the strategic plan in spring 2020.
Preparation and Planning
June - July
- Reviewed essential context and existing information
- Conducted stakeholder interviews to get perspectives on the current state and input process
- Clarified goals and outcomes
Engagement, info. gathering and analysis
August - October
- Gathered input from internal and external stakeholders via workshops, surveys, and web-based open comment tool
- Formed the strategic planning committee
Develop and finalize the plan
November - March
- The strategic planning committee reviewed the mission, vision and values and developed strategic goals and priorities based on insights from Phase 2.
- Held a campus and stakeholder review and comment period
- The Board of Trustees approved the plan.
Plan implementation approach
March - April
- Ensured the governance structures and organizational processes were in place for effective plan implementation