Planning Process

Guiding Principles for the Process

  • Division-focused – The process adopts a “Team 1” focus; no individual unit or program will drive the process.
  • Future-forward – The process will stay focused on the future (through 2030); it will be exciting and focus on what is possible for UR and its students.
  • Data-informed – The process will rely on UR and relevant national data to help identify priorities important to UR and its students.
  • Inclusive of Multiple Voices – The process will engage the entire division and multiple stakeholders and different levels within and outside the university.
  • Open and Transparent - The process must be clear, open, and communicated effectively to all stakeholders in multiple ways; creating and leveraging shared language.
  • Center the Students and their Experience – The process will center student needs, experiences, and outcomes in the plan.
  • Care-forward for students, staff, and faculty – UR is a community rooted in care; the process will both honor and care for the individuals involved in the plan.

Anticipated Outcomes for the Plan

  • Inspirational and Aspirational – the plan will need to stretch the overall team in positive ways and challenge the team to be bold, and at the same time serve as a motivating and exciting vision of UR Student Development’s future.
  • Directly Connect to “A Plan for Richmond” – this is Student Development’s plan in the context of UR. The plan will show how Student Development advances and impacts the overall university strategy.
  • Accountable – The “why” is understood behind everything included (or not included) in the plan; concurrently, the “who” responsible for different parts of the plan is clear.
  • Measurable – The impact of the plan components can be assessed.
  • Relevant – The plan must be relevant to the University of Richmond, it needs to honor UR Context and History; rooted in current student development research and data (nationally and at UR); as well as the evolving national landscape of higher education.
  • Liberal Arts context – UR is a liberal arts university, and the Student Development plan will be rooted in the principles of a liberal arts education.
  • Interdisciplinary – UR embraces an interdisciplinary approach; the Student Development plan will be based on interdisciplinary priorities – both within Student Development and across the UR organization.
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  • Phase 1: Laying the Foundation
    • Objectives: Develop and finalize planning structure, establish working groups, and design engagement strategies.
    • Activities: Regular Advisory Board meetings, Stakeholder mapping, review related division and university documents, communication planning, design of feedback tools, launch of surveys and focus group invitations.
    • Deliverables: Consultant campus visit; consultant zoom with SD leadership (June 3); Shared folder, meetings on calendars (both consultants, with Leadership and with Advisory Board), website and communications strategy complete; communication to division from consultants.

  • Phase 2: Insights & Ideation
    • Objectives: Collect and analyze stakeholder feedback and environmental scan results; surface key themes and priorities.
    • Activities: Consultant campus visit; Committee analysis, focus group synthesis, PESTLE-aligned thematic development.
    • Deliverables: Survey development and launch for staff, and for students; Vision, Mission, Values, and Guiding Principles reviewed and endorsed.

  • Phase 3: Drafting the Path Forward
    • Objectives: Develop and refine the strategic plan draft for review.
    • Activities: Consultant campus visit – full day workshop in October with Student Development team; internal reviews, open comment periods, leadership endorsement preparation.
    • Deliverables: Draft priorities and objectives competed.

  • Phase 4: Launch & Action
    • Objectives: Begin implementation of the plan with transparency, accountability, and engagement.
    • Activities: Consultant campus visit for official launch; Campus-wide launch communications, initiative kick-offs, integration with divisional operations, and progress tracking.
    • Deliverables: Completed plan through Vision, Mission, Strategic Priorities, and Key Objectives.