WSU SYSTEM

WSU Strategic Planning Cycle

A unified and integrated approach to planning will help us achieve success.

Strategic planning for all levels at WSU

We’re not sure how people survived road trips without GPS. A clear understanding of where we are going makes all the difference in how quickly and easily you can get there; strategic planning serves that purpose at WSU to help us reach and achieve our goals for educational excellence.

Strategic planning can make a significant difference by providing a clear direction and roadmap for an organization’s future. It helps align resources, priorities, and actions to achieve goals efficiently and effectively, leading to better performance, growth, and success.

Our system strategic plan serves as the foundation that guides the evolution of WSU’s statewide enterprise. Campuses, colleges, and other units develop and update their plans in a way that complement and flesh out the big-picture goals, objectives, and strategies established by the system-wide plan.

Achieving system-wide success: An ongoing cycle of planning and alignment

We are working toward an ongoing cycle where plans across the university come together to meet our goals. While some of these steps are currently in place, others are in various stages of progress.

After system goals and priorities are established, each campus, college, and unit set their goals, priorities, and strategies. These should align with the system. 

With these goals and priorities in mind, budgets are established, resources are allocated, and plans are put into action. We then monitor and measure progress through various metrics, and continually evaluate effectiveness. 

Each year, an annual review and refresh will occur on a system level to establish the following year’s priorities. 

Chart showing the planning process

At the heart of our journey lies the planning process, a compass that steers us towards our aspirations. Through diligent monitoring and annual updates, we remain agile, ensuring our path is always aligned with our vision for progress and prosperity.

Chris Hoyt
Vice President for Strategy, Planning, and Analysis
Washington State University

What does WSU’s process look like?

While each year has its own variation and our process continues to mature, WSU generally follows this timeline:

SPRING

  • Develop system priorities for the next fiscal year
  • Hold a retreat with WSU system leadership on strategic planning

SUMMER

  • Present priorities to the Board of Regents
  • Develop strategies and implementation plans

FALL

  • Approval from the WSU Board of Regents
  • Implement strategies

ONGOING / YEAR ROUND

  • Monitor progress on strategies
  • Report on progress and issues
  • Obtain feedback from stakeholders

Engage in the planning process

STAY IN THE LOOP

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.

* indicates required