SDSU Kicks Off Strategic Planning Process

Visit the strategic planning website, Reimagining the Future: A Strategic Plan for SDSU, as the site is regularly updated. 
After the kickoff of one of San Diego State University’s most important and ambitious initiatives in recent history, hundreds of members of the SDSU community shared their ideas and input toward a new vision for the university. 
Designed to adhere to a shared governance model, on and off campus community members were invited to participate in a series of group discussions, which will continue through Wednesday on the main campus and at SDSU Imperial Valley. 
The intention of the campuswide strategic planning process is to generate ideas to inform the university’s strategic priorities, not just for the main campus, but for SDSU Imperial Valley, and the proposed development of SDSU Mission Valley. 
“Together we will be crystalizing our educational priorities and practices for traditional and non-traditional adult learners in our region and throughout the globe,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre in her remarks. “Together we will reflect on our distinct and cutting-edge priorities for research, athletics, clinical practice, and creative arts, which will hone our future strategic goals.”
President de la Torre also emphasized community input, insights and perspectives in order to strengthen SDSU.
“By sharing your input and ideas, you are also helping us re-imagine the mission and vision for the university — one that is relevant as we evolve as an institution.”
The strategic plan will serve as the primary guide for SDSU’s growth and commitment to teaching, research and creativity, with the intention of transforming the lives of students and engaging our communities. 
The strategic planning process, which will involve all levels of the university, is co-led by SDSU Provost and Senior Vice President Salvador Hector Ochoa and Chief Diversity Officer J. Luke Wood.
“This initiative is so important because it serves to unite us and serves to unite our collective efforts in order to have a shared vision to advance the success of our students,” said Ochoa.
Following the strategic planning kickoff event, members of the campus community were invited to register for and participate in discussion groups offered Monday, Sept. 23 through Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Additional campus and community opportunities will be scheduled throughout the planning process to gather input.

Voices of the Campus Community

Following the event, members of the SDSU campus community were asked why it was important for them to attend the strategic planning kickoff event. Their responses included:

• "On a personal level talking about the value of diversity, equity and inclusion, it is important to see how a campus that espouses that as one of its critical values also frames it in the initial conversation in a symbolic way that it is centered throughout the process. Hearing from those that spoke today, it was really powerful to see diversity, equity and inclusion was already centered in the conversation." -- Agustín “Augie” Garibay, director of SDSU’s identity centers

• “I thought it was very important for myself and members of our staff from the Student Ability Success Center to be here because students and staff and faculty members with disabilities need to be represented in all levels of this conversation, so it was very important for me personally to be here.” -- Lynn Gagne, counselor, Student Ability Success Center

• "This is the start of an important process for the university and I'm glad to be here to support the shared vision and experience a significant moment in the university's history." -- Dion Akers (’08), associate director of strategic partnerships, SDSU Alumni

• “I think it’s such a critical part of building our shared vision and mission as we move forward and I think it’s a wonderful demonstration of our commitment to shared governance on this campus.” -- Rebecca Lewison, professor, Department of Biology

• “I think generally speaking when a campus goes through a strategic planning initiative like this it strives to be inclusive and hold everyone’s voices. We need to be present in order to help the university meet that objective. We can’t sit back and say that our voice wasn’t heard if we were not present to be a part of that process. I plan to be as present as possible. -- Emilio Ulloa (’97), professor, Department of Psychology; director of advising, College of Sciences

What’s Next?

For members of the campus community who were not able to attend the strategic planning kickoff event or ensuing discussion groups, the kickoff event will be recorded and posted on the strategic planning website. After the kickoff, a survey will also be circulated to gather input and ideas from those who were not able to attend. 
The Strategic Planning Steering Committee will also be hosting a series of pop-up events to share information and gather feedback as part of the strategic planning process. The events are as follows:

Faculty-Staff Club - Outside Club
Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Library (North Library by the Free Speech Wall)
Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to Noon Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ARC - Outside Main Entrance
Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4 p.m. to 7pm:  Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.
East Commons - Outside Market
Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to. 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit the strategic planning website, Reimagining the Future: A Strategic Plan for SDSU, as the site is regularly updated.