2024-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN - FERRIS FORWARD: RELEVANT AND RESPONSIVE
Strategic Pillars
Belonging
Belonging is a multi-faceted experience that can occur when individuals are provided a secure environment that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, creating an inclusive community allowing members to thrive authentically. *Working definition*
Innovation
A creative approach to problem-solving and experimentation that leads to implementation of new ideas that continuously improve and add value to all Ferris State University stakeholders. *Working definition*
Student Excellence
Ferris State University defines student excellence as a commitment to personal and academic growth through relevant experiences and a mastery of applicable knowledge. At Ferris, excellent students develop the capabilities that enable them to continuously learn, adapt, serve, and perform in their careers and as active citizens. *Working definition*
Sustainability
Sustainability is making deliberate decisions to serve the people, environment, and
economic viability of our campus in a regenerative manner to conserve and enhance
our resources to the benefit of current and future generations.
*Working definition*
Guiding Principles
- The strategic plan should align with and be driven by the University's core values, vision, and mission.
- Words matter. We will search hard for the right words. But ultimately, we must work to create the University where we want to study and work.
- We must do more than say, "It's all about the students." Our actions must be relentlessly student-centered.
- The plan will build on current work at the University but not be limited by that work.
- All University community members will be given opportunities for meaningful participation in this planning process.
- This plan will serve as a lead document for other major university planning efforts, including planning for the Higher Learner Commission and the Academic Master Plan.
- We recognize the financial challenges of the University, but we must still, where possible, be aspirational.
- We will look for opportunities to prioritize the University's work, beginning new efforts while ending some current work.
- The actions in this plan must be relevant and responsive.
Committee Structure
Charge for the Strategic Plan Steering Committee
The Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC) will provide guidance and support
to ensure the success of Ferris State University's strategic planning process. The
Committee's work will inspire the Ferris community to explore opportunities centered
around the four pillars of the plan: Student Excellence, Belonging, Innovation, and
Sustainability. As overseers of the planning process, the SPSC will take responsibility
for considering and incorporating, as appropriate, the recommendations from workgroups
into the final strategic plan. A fundamental aspect of the steering committee's responsibility
is ensuring our extensive community is engaged. To shape a definitive path for Ferris
State University's future, the SCSP will rely on workgroup assessments, encompassing
initiatives, critical numerical metrics, and input from university community members.
Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Workgroups
Timeline