Officials release early results of stakeholder survey

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Preliminary analysis of a recent survey indicates that there is overarching agreement for the aspirational initiatives being suggested for inclusion in Western Michigan University's revised strategic plan, especially in terms of developing new partnerships and programs that serve WMU's core mission of educational excellence, discovery and global engagement.

The University Strategic Plan Revision Stakeholder Survey was available online from Dec. 4 through 22, notes Dr. Jody A. Brylinsky, associate provost for institutional effectiveness.

"More than 1,480 WMU students, employees and alumni as well as local community members responded to part or all of the 37-item instrument, and more than 2,500 suggestions for further consideration were gleaned from comment sections," Brylinsky says.

"It will take several more weeks to fully analyze the stakeholder survey results, but much has been learned already to inform the ongoing revision of strategic goals, objectives and strategies in the University Strategic Plan."

President John M. Dunn invited University stakeholders to participate in the survey as a way of providing input for WMU's transition from its inaugural three-year strategic plan to a revised five-year plan. A summary of survey results may be viewed at wmich.edu/effectiveness/planning/usp.

Preliminary findings

In addition to overarching agreement for the aspirational initiatives being proposed, early analysis of the survey indicates:

• The challenges facing WMU in the next planning cycle are all perceived as important. Of most importance is the challenge to create a campus culture that supports academic excellence and maintains a positive and constructive campus climate that is welcoming to all. Improving affordability while maintaining accessibility were also deemed very important.
• Many respondents would have liked to have seen more detail in the description and implementation of initiatives.
• The top priorities among the proposed objectives being considered for Goal No. 1—Learner Success—are building a culture of student success across campus and sustaining a healthy and safe campus.
• The top priority among the proposed objectives being considered for Goal No. 2—Promoting Innovative Discovery—is the hiring and retention of a distinguished faculty.
• The top priority among the proposed objectives being considered for Goal No. 3—Scholarship and Collaboration—is generating scholarly activity that positively impacts the state, nation and world, especially as it is stimulated through the leadership of University centers and institutes.
• The top priority among the proposed objectives being considered in Goal No. 4—Inclusive Excellence—is becoming a campus that models a welcoming and supportive university climate.
• The top priority among the proposed objectives being considered in Goal No. 5—Sustainable Stewardship—is managing enrollment.
• In general, other proposed objectives that ranked as high priorities were expanding student retention programs and services, creating more sophisticated financial aid strategies and tuition models, and enhancing education and services that prevent and respond to bullying and sexual misconduct.

Next planning process steps

Officials will use findings from the survey to gain a better understanding of the perceived support for and importance of WMU's proposed strategic directions, improve prioritization of strategies, and ensure that valuable new ideas as well as broad concerns are considered as the planning process proceeds.

All information obtained will be shared with the University Strategic Plan Transition Team, which is working on revising the strategic plan's goals and strategies in preparation for WMU's transition to a 2015-20 strategic plan.

Ongoing drafts of that emerging revised plan will be shared with the entire campus in late January, but there will be continued opportunities for interested stakeholders to provide feedback. Notably, a series of focus group sessions are being planned for February. More information will be available soon explaining how to participate in a focus group.

In addition, now that the stakeholder survey is closed, anyone wishing to provide additional input may do so by responding through the Focused Input Form or by contacting Jody Brylinsky at jody.brylinsky@wmich.edu.

The final 2015-20 University Strategic Plan will be presented in late March to the WMU Board of Trustees for its consideration.

To keep up to date on activities and events, visit the strategic planning website at http://wmich.edu/effectiveness/planning/usp.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.