Strategic Planning Process

Fayetteville State University’s strategic plan is an essential tool for charting a course for the future, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission and vision, and effectively managing resources and priorities. FSU’s Strategic plan provides a roadmap for growth, excellence, and adaptability in an ever-changing higher education landscape. The university strategic planning process is a structured and iterative approach to defining long-term goals, priorities, and objectives. It assists university leaders in navigating challenges, making informed decisions, allocating resources effectively, and achieving its mission and vision. The following 6 key planning phases outlined below are used to guide the university’s strategic planning process and should be implemented approximately 17 months prior to the expiration of the current strategic plan to ensure the implementation of a comprehensive process and the approval of the Board of Trustees in June (the spring prior to the implementation of a new multi-year strategic plan):

Phase 1: Planning Stage

Pre-Planning (1-2 months): January-March

  • Appoint a strategic planning committee or task force.
  • Define the scope and objectives of the strategic planning process.
  • Identify key stakeholders and involve them in the process.
  • Develop a communication plan to inform the university community about the upcoming planning process.
Phase 2: Assessment and Feedback

Environmental Scan (2-3 months): April-June

  • Conduct a thorough analysis of internal and external factors.
  • Gather data on enrollment trends, financial resources, demographic shifts, and other relevant information.
  • Perform a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Mission, Vision, and Values (1-2 months): July-August

  • Review and possibly revise the university's mission statement, vision statement, and core values.
  • Seek input from stakeholders to ensure alignment with the institution's purpose and aspirations.
Phase 3: Strategic Plan Development

Goal Setting (2-3 months): September-November

  • Develop long-term strategic goals that reflect the mission and vision.
  • Ensure that the goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Strategic Objectives (2-3 months): January-March

  • Break down each goal into actionable strategic objectives or initiatives.
  • Define the steps required to achieve each objective.
Phase 4: Metrics and KPI Development

Metrics and KPIs & Resource Allocation (1-3 months): April-June

  • Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure progress and success.
  • Establish baseline data for tracking purposes.
  • Determine the resources (financial, human, technological) needed to support the strategic plan.
  • Allocate resources based on the priority of strategic objectives.
Phase 5: BOT Approval and Campus Roll-Out

Finalization and Approval (1-2 months): June (Last BOT Meeting)

  • Compile the strategic plan document, including all components.
  • Seek input and feedback from stakeholders.
  • Obtain approval from the university's governing body or board of trustees.
  • Share all components of the strategic plan with university stakeholders.
Phase 6: Campus-wide Implementation

Action Plans (2-3 months): July-August

  • Develop detailed action plans for each strategic objective.
  • Assign responsibilities, tasks, and deadlines for implementation.

Metrics and KPIs & Resource Allocation (1-3 months): September

  • Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure progress and success.
  • Establish baseline data for tracking purposes.
  • Determine the resources (financial, human, technological) needed to support the strategic plan.
  • Allocate resources based on the priority of strategic objectives.

Action Plans (2-3 months): October-November

  • Develop detailed action plans for each strategic objective.
  • Assign responsibilities, tasks, and deadlines for implementation.
  • All university divisions, departments, offices, and programs are aligned with the university.
Phase 7: Mid-Term and Final Evaluation

Mid-Term Review (Around Year 3):

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the plan's progress and make necessary adjustments.

Final Evaluation and Reporting (Year 5):

  • Evaluate the overall success of the five-year plan against established metrics and KPIs.
  • Prepare a final report summarizing achievements and lessons learned.