Learning Resources

Abstract: Build Capacity for Integrated Planning

Whether you’re preparing a committee for an upcoming planning process or simply looking for directions for your own professional development, the Integrated Planning Competencies can help you determine the knowledge, skills, and dispositions your institution needs to advance integrated planning.

Integrated planning requires building capacity in the people who do planning so they have the necessary knowledge and skills for success. But higher education institutions that focus only on developing planning-related expertise often face hurdles when they attempt integrated planning. Why? Because colleges and universities are complex environments and using an integrated planning approach in those environments requires a wide range of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Some of the required expertise might seem obvious (like writing goals or analyzing information). But some of it may be less so—particularly expertise related to “soft” skills or human skills, like communication or collaboration.

To provide more clear and specific guidance, SCUP identified competencies—knowledge, skills, and dispositions—that individuals need for successful integrated planning. We analyzed the experiences and viewpoints of around 300 planners and higher education administrators in order to surface the competencies—both obvious and inconspicuous—that underpin integrated planning success.

Abstract: What Makes a Strategic Plan Strategic?
by Aimee J. Hosemann, PhD, and Rob Zinkan, EdD
RBH: Indianapolis, Indiana: 2021
ISBN: 978-0-9826949-3-0

Abstract: From the introduction:
“Envision TRU culminated with the approval of a new institutional vision, values and change goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a pause on our work towards vision realization and goals prioritization. We now are picking up where we left off. This green paper is intended to present a general outline and stimulate discussion on how Thompson Rivers University (TRU) can work towards living our new vision and achievement of our 10-year goals.”

Contents:

• What Is Integrated Planning
• Planning Process Model
• Why Adopt Integrated Planning At TRU
• Strategic Framework Approaches
• Integrated Planning Implementation
• How Will We Realize Envision TRU?
• Planning, Budgeting and Assessment
• Next Steps

Abstract: A high-level document enumerating the institution’s five strategic goals and strategies for achieving each goal. The goals are framed as increasing and enhancing each of the following qualities:

1. Student Success
2. Intercultural Understanding
3. Research Capacity
4. Entrepreneurial Capacity
5. Sustainability

Abstract: “What will it take to change the course of more than 2,000 struggling colleges and universities in America?”

This is the opening question posed by higher education futurist Mary Landon Darden in her book Entrepreneuring the Future of Higher Education: Radical Transformation in Times of Profound Change. For colleges and universities that are grappling with an increasingly volatile landscape, Darden offers practical tools, achievable strategies, and a guide for navigating a realistic path towards progress and innovation. Join Lynn Priddy, president and CEO of Claremont Lincoln University, for a conversation with the author in which they explore how a culture of entrepreneurism can lead higher education into a brighter and more sustainable future.

Abstract: The disruptive nature of a post-COVID world provides the perfect opportunity for institutions to use scenario planning as a tool to navigate through an uncertain future. Scenario planning is especially useful for communicating external and internal trends and bridging a discussion between the most recent visioning exercise and transition. In this presentation, we'll demonstrate a step by step how-to for you to apply on your own campus with a vivid description of deliverables, tools, and 'gotchas.'

Abstract: The ability to integrate planning at multiple levels—organizational, unit, and individual—strengthens our ability to formulate and implement strategies. This session will demonstrate how our Integrated Performance Excellence Framework (IPEF) guides planning at multiple levels of the institution, all of which are tied to our strategic policy, plan, and processes. You will be able to identify potential gaps and solutions within your institution's planning activities to create better alignment with your strategic plan and integrate the work at multiple levels of the organization.