Preamble
(This plan was approved in 2004. In spring 2008, a new strategic plan, based in part on the plan of 2004, was approved by the Faculty Senate. The strategic plan of 2008, now in force and replacing the 2004 plan, will soon be available online.)

Our slogan “Start with a dream; finish with a future” is based on the recognition that most students who come to CCSU dream of a future made possible by acquiring a good education that leads to a “valuable” job and to a successful life.  To that end we have designed programs infused with the themes and traditions of a strong liberal arts education while striving to be responsive to employment dynamics and market forces.

 This strategic plan is based on the assumption that we will experience a prolonged period of rapid social and economic change and that a comprehensive liberal arts education with appropriate career development provides the best preparation for a life and career in a world dominated by change.  The central region of Connecticut, formerly characterized by its homogeneity, is now rich in diversity of people and occupation.  Once the home of traditional manufacturing enterprises, the region is now slowly recovering from a crippling recession and downsizing that will reshape our workforce for years to come.  Over the past few year, Connecticut has lost thousands of jobs, and some of these losses have been in the knowledge-intensive industries.  This tide must be turned and it is the education and brainpower of Connecticut citizens that will attract the best employers and individuals to the region.  An innovative liberal arts education responsive to these changes can provide students with the lifelong learning skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in this shifting landscape. Additionally, the geographic location of CCSU makes us a main source of  holding power.

 We have titled this strategic plan  “designed for today with a foundation for tomorrow,” because the planners recognize today’s current economic constraints on the state and its universities. At the same time, we believe it is important to embrace ambitious goals and strategic initiatives that hold promise for advancing the mission and vision of the university in the future, even though some must wait for full implementation.  This strategic plan also incorporates CCSU’s aspirations to be a “Second Rank Regional University” as described in the current planning cycle. This goal is articulated in the plan that follows.

The goals and initiatives found in this plan emanated from strategic plans developed by  each of the academic schools and each of the academic support units. Some of the goals and initiatives stand alone and are identified with particular schools or units. Other goals and initiatives are common to several schools and units.  For example, all schools desired to support faculty development, enhance professional and commercial partnerships, develop selected new majors, and improve organizational effectiveness.  Similarly, all schools listed initiatives for maintaining national accreditation, for reaching out more extensively to alumni, and for expanding efforts to acquire outside funding for research and development.

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