Process & Timeline
The Auburn University Student Affairs Strategic Plan 2035 was developed throughout the 2024–2025 academic year through a collaborative and inclusive process. Led by a dedicated Strategic Planning Committee, the development process engages stakeholders through focus groups, interactive workshops, data-driven assessments and a thorough evaluation of existing programs and services. These efforts ensure the plan is grounded in the voices, experiences and aspirations of the Auburn Family.
Timeline
Bobby Woodard, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, launches the development of a new strategic plan for the Division of Student Affairs and appoints the Student Affairs Strategic Planning Committee (SASPC) to lead the effort.
The SASPC reviews Auburn University's Institutional Strategic Plan, benchmarks strategic plans from peer and aspirational institutions and consults with assessment and planning offices across higher education. Key stakeholders–including students, parents, campus partners and Student Affairs staff–are identified for early engagement through sruveys, focus groups and individual interviews.
Tailored surveys and focus group protocols are developed for each stakeholder group. These tools are pilot tested to ensure clarity and effectiveness and then refined based on feedback.
Surveys are distributed via Qualtrics and multiple focus groups are conducted with students, Student Affairs staff, the Student Affairs Leadership Team and campus partners.
Findings from the SWOT analysis are synthesized and shared with the division. SASPC members meet with senior leadership to discuss emerging themes, key questions and strategic priorities to guide the plan's development.
Assessment & Strategic Planning (A&SP) facilitates an interactive session with the Student Affairs Leadership Team to begin drafting goals, objectives, action items and key performance indicators (KPIs). After a parent focus group gathers additional insights, AS&P collaborated with individual departments to ensure goals were aligned with current initiatives and further aspirations.
The SASPC compiles and refines the first full draft of the strategic plan and submits the plan to Student Affairs Senior Leadership for review and feedback.
Feedback from Student Affairs Senior Leadership and directors is incorporated through multiple iterations resulting in a finalized version of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan.
The Communications and Marketing team develops a polished version of the plan for print and digital distribution and creates a comprehensive rollout strategy.
The Student Affairs Strategic Plan 2035 is officially launched during a special "Coffee with Dr. Woodard" marking the beginning of its implementation phase.
