Summary

In August 2021, the Executive Council held a retreat to create a plan to finalize the 2016-2021 strategic plan and discuss the next strategic plan. Executive Council members discussed what they wanted to accomplish in the next five years at Great Falls College MSU that supported the mission and vision, fit within the Montana University System’s goals, and met institutional accreditation expectations. From this brainstorming, three themes were developed (Opportunities, Inclusivity, and Excellence) as well as subcategories for each theme.

 

During the fall 2021 semester, Executive Council members attended several campus meetings (Academic Affairs Leadership Team, Business Operations staff meeting, Faculty Senate, Joint Directors, Staff Senate, Student Government) to share the three themes and ask for input on what objectives should be under each theme. From their input, the Executive Council developed goal statements for each theme and subcategory, which became the pillars and strategic plan goals for the strategic plan, Forging Futures. The strategic plan pillars and strategic plan goals were finalized at the end of the spring 2022 term, and then the Executive Council drafted metrics and tasked the StAR committee with finalizing them. The metrics and target metrics were finalized in fall 2023 after receiving feedback and approval from the College Council. Monthly updates on the progress of target metrics are shared at College Council.

 

Beginning in fall 2022, all units on campus and committees were asked to identify unit goals that align to a specific area of the strategic plan to identify strategic initiatives. Progress towards these strategic goals is tracked twice a year (by Jan. 31 and July 31) into Strategic Action Plans in Weave that detail how far along towards the goal they are, any outstanding resource needs, and include a summary of the progress. It is expected that all units and committees will work towards a strategic goal during each year of the 5-year strategic planning cycle, so if any goals are completed before the strategic plan ends, they are expected to identify a new goal. Strategic Action Plans are reviewed by the StAR committee and shared at College Council twice a year.