Reimagining Student Success:
Building on WCU's Momentum
OVERVIEW AND PROCESS
West Chester University began planning for this strategic plan in January 2023 with an examination of Pathways to Student Success, which was coming to an end in June 2023. We identified a need to continue to build upon the progress already made in the priority areas of learning, diversity, and community and issued a call for volunteers to serve on three goal workgroups. The university community answered that call with more volunteers than space available on the rosters. President’s Cabinet Liaisons identified members and selected three chairs for each workgroup (one faculty, one staff, and one senior administrator). The groups worked through the 2023 calendar year meeting with key stakeholders to develop Reimagining Student Success: Building on WCU’s Momentum, which was originally intended to be a three-year strategic plan. As that plan was being developed, however, the university learned that it would be welcoming a new president in July 2024, and we opted to shorten the plan by one year so that the new president would have input into the strategic direction of the university. The plan will now guide WCU through the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. Several resources and documents supported the formation of the plan and are noted in the list of references and hyperlinked when applicable. The Steering Committee, which is made up of President’s Cabinet Liaisons, Workgroup Tri-chairs, and the Strategic Plan Coordinator will guide the tracking of the plan’s progress.
GOALS
WCU MISSION STATEMENT
West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS
In line with the WCU mission, common elements have been woven throughout Reimagining Student Success. Each workgroup examined outcomes and initiatives through the common lenses of enhancing student learning, equity, and sustainability. Higher education and industry best practice resources were utilized by the workgroups to further support the importance of these elements in the achievement of WCU’s mission.
REFERENCES:
- AAC&U High-Impact Practices (AAC&U)
- The Equity Excellence Imperative (Boyer Report)
- CDC Workplace Health Model
- Mass DHE Strategic Plan for Racial Equity (MA Plan)
- NACADA – Academic Advising Resources (NACADA)
- PASSHE DEI Strategy Framework – Smart Initiatives (PASSHE DEI)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN)
- U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-being (U.S. Surgeon General)
