Learning Resources

What Constitutes Tribal College and University Sustainability?

Research Develops a Framework to Begin the Conversation

By: David Sanders, PhD

Historical successes and challenges join missions, visions, and strategic plans for a glimpse of what TCU institutions are emphasizing, today and in the future.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January – March 2024

Abstract: This article uses available Tribal College and University (TCU) missions, visions, and strategic plans as well as dissertations focused on TCU research to develop a framework to begin the conversation about what constitutes sustainability for the institutions. The dissertations offer an opportunity to look at historical successes and challenges, while TCU missions, visions, and strategic plans provide a glimpse of what the institutions are emphasizing currently and in the future. Both present elements to consider as part of a larger TCU sustainability framework.

Institutions Mentioned: Institute of American Indian Arts, Diné College, Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University, Chief Dull Knife College
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Alignment, Community College, Community Engagement, Funding, Higher Ed in Society, Mission / Vision / Identity, Original Research, Resiliency, Tribal College or University

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Example Plans

Published
January 5, 2024

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Public Doctoral/Research University (Georgia, United States)

Strategic plan for the university, which is beginning its second decade after consolidation.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website
Tags: Enrollment Management, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Funding, Goals, Hybrid Learning, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments, Medical / Allied Health Education, Online Learning, Recreational Facility, Resource Management, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services, Teaching and Learning

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Survival of the Financially Fittest

Leverage Strategic Decision-Making and Key Financial Metrics to Achieve Financial Stability

By: Aaron Meis, EdD, and Julee Gard, EdD

Leaders must look closely at financial trends that may reveal signs of trouble—in the short or immediate term—and have the courage to act to address them.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

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Blog Post

Published
December 11, 2023

Addressing Employee Needs in Higher Education:

A Path to Transformation and Excellence

By: Loren Rullman, PhD, Workshop Architects | Pam Watts, CAE, NIRSA | Kelsey Harmon Finn, Compass Group

In recent years, higher education staff throughout North America have increasingly expressed concern about compensation, work/life balance, and sense of agency over work. 24% of all staff are actively seeking roles outside of higher education, and 70% of staff at large or public universities would consider changing jobs. A recent survey form over 400 college and university staff provides actionable steps for a brighter future.

Tags: Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Original Research

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Blog Post

Published
October 5, 2023

Listen Up Leaders

Two-Way Communication Is Important in Establishing Trust

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

To gain additional insight into strategies for establishing trust between stakeholders and their leaders, we turned to Sonia Alvarez-Robinson, associate vice president for strategy and organizational effectiveness, Georgia Institute of Technology.

Tags: Change Management, Communication, Engaging Stakeholders, Higher Ed Trends, Human Resources, Leadership, Team Building, Trends External to Higher Ed

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Example Plans

Published
August 8, 2023

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Public Doctoral/Research University (Colorado, United States)

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Destination 2030

The Need for Transformation Architects

By: Edward Inch, PhD, Minnesota State University – Mankato | Lynn Akey, PhD, Minnesota State University – Mankato | Linda Baer, PhD, Strategic Initiatives and Minnesota State University – Mankato

Institutions Mentioned: Minnesota State University-Mankato
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Strategic Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Data, Disruptive Change, Enrollment Management, Environmental Scanning, Higher Ed Trends, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Presidential Leadership, Student Demographics, Student Success

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Example Plans

Published
May 17, 2023

Strategic Plan

Public Master’s College or University (Colorado, United States)

The institution’s 2020–2030 strategic plan.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan
Tags: Budget Planning, Enrollment Management, Goals, Metrics, Strategies and Tactics, System of Colleges or Universities

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Example Plans

Published
April 20, 2023

Master Plan

Public Doctoral/Research University (Michigan, United States)

Campus master plan document for a STEM-focused institution, deeply aligned with its strategic plan.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Resource Types: Master Plan
Tags: Academic Facility, Alignment, Goals, Laboratory Facility, Master Plan, Placemaking, Science / Engineering Facility, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), Strategies and Tactics, Student Housing

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Align Strategic, Physical, and Capital Planning for the Next Generation of Students

By: Jacob Guter, MPA, RA, and Doug Kozma, BSLA, PLA

Michigan Technological University used active stakeholder engagement, frequent reviews, and vigorous discussion to develop its aspirational master plan.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Abstract: Profound technological changes are occurring today, and universities need to prepare our students to work and live in this new world. Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is addressing the future of technology in society, academia, and the campus through our Tech Forward Strategic Plan, a bold enrollment and retention initiative, an aggressive capital campaign, and a dynamic hiring initiative. Our aspirational campus master plan, developed in partnership with SmithGroup, an integrated design firm, integrates and supports these initiatives and goals. Active stakeholder engagement, frequent reviews, and vigorous discussion allowed us to craft a campus master plan aligning strategic, physical, and capital planning that supports and drives the university’s 2035 Vision.

Institutions Mentioned: Michigan Technological University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Community Engagement, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Assessment, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Innovation Center, Laboratory Facility, Landscape / Open Space, Placemaking, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Science / Engineering Facility, Space Assessment, Student Housing

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