The Key to Our Success: A Strategic Plan for University Housing
"These are the principles on which we have built our strategic plan:
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One Housing
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Think Strategically
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Seek Excellence
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Healthy Working Relationships
We have set a clear direction for University Housing for the next three years. In an organization as broad and complex as University Housing, shifting to a more strategic, long-term planning model is essential for our success. Our Strategic Plan will shape our future."
—Jack Collins
Director, University Housing
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to the Strategic Planning Process
University Housing’s strategic planning process focused on the three-year period of 2006 to 2009. The Student Affairs’ Strategic Plan, “A Powerful Purpose,” and the University Housing mission were used as the framework.
Using project management tools, the strategic planning project team mapped a nine-month process for creating the strategic plan. The team facilitated the process, and the University Housing Executive Team created the plan.
The process began with a thorough review of existing data. The project team reviewed all existing data collected by University Housing, identified gaps in the data, and collected new data using the appreciative inquiry process. More than 200 staff members participated in the Essential Piece sessions, designed to solicit feedback from University Housing staff members.
The Executive Team and project team members attended a two-day retreat to analyze the data and identify themes. These themes were refined into strategic priorities, which are the foundation of the strategic plan. The goals for each priority were developed through a collaborative process, involving staff throughout University Housing.
The implementation of this strategic plan will begin in 2006. Specific, measurable objectives will be developed for each of the goals. The Executive Team will allocate resources accordingly to support these objectives. Each department will develop action plans to support University Housing’s common objectives and the strategic plan.
This strategic plan will guide decisions, resource allocation, and provide the key to University Housing’s continued success.
University Housing’s Mission
University Housing supports the academic mission of the University of Illinois. We enrich the academic development and enhance the integration of our diverse student body into the campus community through our programs, personnel, services, and facilities.
University Housing’s Aspiration
University Housing creates an excellent experience, every day, for every resident, customer, and staff member.
University Housing’s Values
We are committed to the mission, aspiration, values, principles, and priorities of University Housing and we work to achieve excellence in all that we do. Our values guide our behavior and are used in our daily and strategic decision making.
We value:
Inclusiveness
- We value the variety of perspectives and experiences others bring
- We actively seek new ways to be inclusive
- We intentionally broaden the diversity of our staff and residents
Integrity
- We trust each other
- We respect each other
- We do what we say
- We are honest
Fairness and equity
- We act and make decisions in an ethical manner
- We demonstrate consistency in our actions, policies, and procedures
- We provide equal access and opportunity throughout our organization
Responsible stewardship
- We recognize that the resources to accomplish our priorities come directly from those we serve
- We use our resources in an ethical manner
- We are responsive to opportunities that move us toward our goals
Healthy working relationships
- We collaborate to achieve our priorities
- We support each other as a team working toward common goals
- We model professional behavior
- We focus our energy on solutions
- We recognize and reward individual and group contributions to our goals
Effective communication
- We communicate in a respectful manner
- We communicate in a timely, consistent manner
- We value multidirectional communication
Excellent service
- We take pride and ownership in creating excellent experiences
- We treat our customers with respect
- We anticipate our customers’ needs and wants
- We are open to feedback and are responsive
Learning
- We support continuing personal and professional growth
- We support residents in their academic pursuits
- We value innovation and lifelong learning
Balance
- We encourage and role model a balance between work and personal life
- We support a culture of wellness in our workplace
University Housing’s Five Strategic Priorities
Communication
University Housing will ensure that stakeholders receive accurate, timely, and appropriate information to support their success and enhance their experiences living and working with us.
Goals
- Communication throughout University Housing will be consistent, intentional, inclusive, and multidirectional, and will be accessible, taking into account diverse learning styles and access to technology resources.
- University Housing will demonstrate a commitment to collecting, evaluating, and responding to resident, customer, and staff feedback in a way that creates a sense that we value and will act on input.
- University Housing staff will have the information they need to be informed, succeed in their jobs, and make appropriate decisions to create an excellent experience for residents, customers, and fellow staff.
- University Housing will assess opportunities for improved communication with staff and use those improved communication channels and vehicles to foster a culture of trust and collaboration among all University Housing staff members, throughout departments and positions.
Community Development
University Housing will intentionally develop communities that are inclusive, engaged, and supported by our policies and resources.
Goals
- All residents of University Housing will be engaged in multiple communities that support their academic success, value inclusiveness, and provide them with a sense of belonging.
- The facilities, policies, and organizational structure of University Housing will support the development of strong communities as a central goal shared by all staff.
- University Housing staff will be innovative in supporting the development of communities, taking advantage of emerging technologies and monitoring trends in student behaviors.
Quality Services
University Housing will create exceptional experiences by delivering high quality, valued services to all residents, customers, and staff.
Goals
- University Housing will deliver consistent, highly valued, innovative services in a method that is convenient to customers.
- Staff throughout University Housing will understand their roles in providing excellent customer service, and be empowered to evaluate and make decisions that result in excellent experiences.
- University Housing will routinely assess all customer service activities in order to insure that we continue to provide effective, comparable, and valued options.
- University Housing will develop new services that are seamless, personalized, and desired by our customers.
Exceptional Facilities
University Housing will create a comprehensive, deliberate plan for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of our buildings and grounds.
Goals
- All University Housing buildings and grounds will be safe, clean, accessible, sustainable, comfortable, responsive, and representative of our diverse population.
- University Housing will create and adhere to a plan that guides our new construction projects and the continuous refurbishment of current facilities.
- All University Housing staff will be committed to the successful daily operation of current facilities as well as the creation of new facilities. Collective ownership by staff will encourage the use of our buildings as a shared resource.
Organizational Structure
University Housing will become a unified and mutually supportive organization with effective policies and procedures and appropriate reporting structures, positions, benefits, and accountability standards.
Goals
- University Housing will create a culture of success by providing the training and tools necessary for staff to effectively contribute to the organization’s goals.
- University Housing will align recruitment, selection, evaluation, and reward systems to support our strategic priorities. Positions and reporting structures throughout University Housing will support the strategic priorities and contribute to a unified and responsive organization.
- University Housing will assess, recommend, and implement policies and procedures that are consistent with our values and strategic priorities.
Download University Housing's Strategic Plan (PDF 8.1mb)