Strategic Plan Alignment
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Creating alignment in WSU system planning brings focus and clarity to our work.
Planning alignment ensures that all members of a team or organization are working towards the same goals and objectives. Without alignment, plans can become disjointed and confusing.
The Office of Strategy, Planning, and Analysis is focused on formalizing what alignment should look like at WSU and how it should be implemented. Aligned and integrated planning is vital in helping WSU move forward and achieve success.
Types of Alignment
There are two types of alignment: vertical and horizontal.
Vertical Alignment
The direct connection of desired outcomes from mission to on-the-ground operations. Unit plans document how their work will contribute to strategic and institutional goals while determining the unit’s long-term direction.
Horizontal Alignment
The coordination of groups across boundaries so they effectively work together toward the same goals. Institutional plans pull together the efforts of disconnected units so they are working together toward institutional goals.
Why is planning alignment important?
Brings focus and clarity to the university’s mission, vision, and goals
Consistency in decision making
Emphasizes the strategic direction of the university
Promotes accountability
Strengthens communication
Breaks down siloes so the university functions more efficiently
More efficient use of resources
Standards for Strategic Planning and Alignment
The Standards for Strategic Planning and Alignment at WSU serve as the cornerstone for driving impactful outcomes across the institution. By ensuring alignment with the university’s overarching mission, vision, and goals, these standards empower every unit to contribute meaningfully towards WSU’s collective success story.
Through strategic alignment, we unlock a fuller potential of our resources, enabling us to achieve greater coherence, synergy, and effectiveness in our work. With clear expectations and transparent processes, these standards cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, positioning WSU as a leader in higher education.
Engage in the planning process
SYSTEM PLAN
PLANNING CYCLE
PLANNING SUPPORT
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Get updates on our strategic plan and the amazing impact we make at WSU.
We provide regular updates on our strategic plan, keeping you well-informed as we progress toward realizing our system strategic goals and objectives at Washington State University. These updates are sent just before our regularly scheduled Board of Regents meetings.