President's Report 2018-2019 | Page 6

STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW T & UPDATE here’s an air of excitement surrounding Gwynedd Mercy University’s future. With exciting projects and opportunities just over the horizon, such as the purchase of the new East Campus, the need for a plan to keep the University’s goals and growth in line with our mission and values is essential. That’s where the Strategic Plan comes in. Since 2018, President Deanne H. Emilio, JD, the Steering Committee, and University faculty and staff have been hard at work brainstorming, planning, and executing Gwynedd Mercy University’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for the University for the next five years, detailing how the institution will change and adapt to the constantly shifting higher education landscape. It all began in March 2018 with Community Day, an afternoon The map details the four themes that are at the core of the Strategic Plan: Distinctive Teaching and Learning; Transformative Student Experience; Empowered Community; and Compelling Brand. Each pillar houses various objectives and initiatives specific to that theme: 4 PRESIDENT’S REPORT where the campus community was invited to submit their thoughts and ideas of where they see the University in five years. The activity was led by CREDO, an organization that specializes in strategic planning for higher education institutions and will be our partner through the Strategic Planning process and implementation. Using the feedback, ideas, and views gathered from the University community, CREDO helped us develop a Strategy Map which is a visual representation of our institution’s strategy to achieve our goals: Distinctive Teaching and Learning: This theme is focused on developing cutting-edge new programs as well as existing GMercyU programs. This includes focusing on innovative spaces and technology for our students to utilize.