This Strategic Plan is offered in a spirit that recognizes the collaborative and cooperative nature of a university community. The strategic planning process has diverse representation from the campus community and has actively sought the advice and counsel of colleagues throughout the planning sequence. The preliminary draft of the plan was shared with the campus and input was solicited and obtained. That input resulted in a number of significant alterations that are incorporated into this document. The plan even now should be viewed as dynamic and evolving rather than static. As circumstances change, corresponding changes in the plan will be necessary.

The major elements of the plan were developed after consideration of the University's environment, both internal and external, and an assessment of the values that are the guiding principles for the vision, mission and goals. The plan is the foundation upon which the budget will be constructed. The goals for the University should challenge and involve everyone on the campus in some way. Colleges and departments, both academic and administrative, will be responsible for creating operational plans that implement and support the strategic plan. The budget cycle will include evaluation of activities linked to implementing the plan.