Strategic Planning Elements and Challenges

Dra. Jimenéz’s Findings

SP Essential Elements: 

• Ensures institutional effectiveness  
• Helps articulate the mission  
• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic goals  
• Includes optimal alignment of initiatives  

• Clearly articulates the future direction  
• Used for meaningful decision making 

 SP Challenges: 

• Lack of time and capacity 

• Meaningful metrics (data literacy) 
• Knowing how to connect the SP to the daily work 
• White supremacy (discomfort with centering Latinx students, using a deficit lens) 
• Lack of understanding of what SP is in general 
• Lack of understanding of the history of HSIs (*and of community colleges) 

Implication for leaders and practitioners: 

• Training on the racialized experience of the students of color, especially Latinx students, for leaders of HSIs 
• Development of future leaders who are currently serving students