Assessment of the Strategic Plan
Ongoing Review and Assessment of the Strategic Plan
A key expectation set forth in the Principles of Accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the systematic assessment of the institutional Mission, goals, and expected outcomes articulated through the strategic plan (Standard 7.1). UTRGV is firmly committed to this principle, as we believe that institutionalizing such a process not only results in continuous improvement, but it also provides measurable evidence of our progress toward successfully implementing our strategic plan (including achieving our Mission and fulfilling our Vision); indicates when mid-course corrections are necessary; and creates opportunities for ongoing and engaged two-way communication with UTRGV stakeholders.
At the time of finalizing our inaugural strategic plan, we started its initial operationalization through creating the SPRC mentioned in Section 7.A. (Community Participation and Support), which will be responsible for outlining a five-year implementation plan and assessment process to identify action steps; timelines; key performance indicators (KPIs) based on the sample metrics and other milestones; necessary institutional and financial resources; and members of an implementation team, comprised of individuals or offices responsible for overseeing the corresponding components and initiatives. The UTRGV Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Success, and P-16 Integration currently serves as Chair of the SPRC, which consists of members representing faculty, administrators, staff, students, and the community.
The goals, initiatives, and action steps are prioritized and balanced over the five-year implementation and assessment timeframe, with the allocation of institutional resources following the framework discussed in the previous section (Section 8 – Alignment of the Strategic Plan with Fiscal Policies and Budget Planning). Moreover, the SPRC works closely with stakeholders to evaluate and report progress and to determine any necessary mid-course revisions to successfully achieve our Mission and fulfill our Vision.
The Office of Academic and Institutional Excellence, in coordination with Strategic Analysis and Institutional Reporting where appropriate, is responsible for coordinating and assisting with ongoing assessment activities, such as participating in scheduled meetings; documenting activities; preparing reports relevant to the progress of the implementation of the strategic plan; and collecting data as requested by the SPRC.
Review Timing and Progress Reports
As indicated in Section 7.A. (Community Participation and Support), there are multiple opportunities to evaluate and report on the progress of the implementation plan. These reports summarize key findings, recommendations, successes, and challenges, including relevant contextual considerations. Data collected will inform the need for intervention or support for goals and initiatives that are not on track to meeting targets. The reports also provide opportunities to revise goals and initiatives of the strategic plan, if deemed necessary. Finally, the reports provide a basis for updating or extending the strategic plan. The authority to approve an updated version of the strategic plan will rest with the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Success, and P-16 integration in consultation with UTRGV’s President.