The University of Akron Strategic Planning Process, introduced last fall to showcase and strengthen the institution as a leading public urban research university committed to community engagement for the city and region, has been restarted. The process was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March, but now is moving forward with the University Planning Committee, led by Professor Steve Ash.

Building on the work of a Strategic Working Group which drafted the initial plan, available on the Affirming Our Promises website, along with input by the Drafting and Integration Group, the President and Provost have asked for feedback on the following proposed action plan which would begin in Spring 2021 and run, in initial form, that begins in January 2021 and run through June 2022.

Among the long-range goals are to develop a budget allocation process incentivizing enrollment growth, as well as move aggressively, with a student-informed perspective, to an appropriate post-COVID higher education model of delivery. Additional items include:

• continue investment in development of fully online programs.
• expand and develop new programs that align with current in-demand or provide alternative pathways to degree completion.
• align Student and Academic Affairs offices to better meet support and advising needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.
• provide faculty the necessary support needed to meet increased retention and progression targets and learning outcomes.

The University Planning group is charged with making recommendations on the action plan and with developing a new continuous planning process.

Fall 2022 (PDF) | Previous issue

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