IR Office Strategic Plan

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The Goals of the IR Strategic Plan align with Goals 1 through 4 of the Wilkes University 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, Innovate. Engage. Thrive. Specific areas of alignment are indicated in the endnotes.

Goals

  1. Raise Awareness & Improve Understanding of IR-Related Data, Services, & Processes 1
    1. Hold IR Lunch and Learn – who we are, what we do, etc.
    2. Marketing Comm. feature on the IR Office – who we are, what we do
    3. Periodic notifications about availability of IR resources
    4. Hold periodic information session(s) with appropriate audiences to promote the value of the Fact Book, Data Book, and other IR resources with the University community (create recordings so those who cannot attend can view)
    5. Scheduling one-on-one meetings with stakeholders (including department and committee chairs) to walk them through relevant IR data resources, and to ask about remaining data/information needs
    6. Create & manage an IR Office social media presence with occasional posts to promote interesting statistics and IR deliverables, the release of survey research reports, the Fact Book, etc.
    7. Create a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for the University Assessment Committee (UAC) to create a resource for addressing common questions. 2
    8. Update instructional video guidance for completion of academic program and administrative unit assessment/review forms (UAC) and/or hold periodic workshops. 2
  2. Increase Capacity for the IR Function at Wilkes
    1. Establish or strengthen IR Office partnerships across the institution (partnerships must have the potential to expand institutional capacity for supporting data-based decision-making). 3
    2. Promote and lead a data governance initiative, focused on creating a solid foundation for improving data issues and facilitating common interpretation and understanding of key metrics. 3
    3. Prioritize IR staff professional development that supports preparation to address the aims of the plan (data governance, use of data visualization software, creative communication & relationship-building strategies, etc.) 4
  3. Focus through a Student Success Lens
    1. Prioritize institutional diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) goals through regular disaggregation of data to uncover and share equity or inclusion-related issues (for students, faculty, & staff) and needs with appropriate decision-makers. 5,6
    2. Explore the use of data visualization software to engage appropriate decision-makers through interactive student success-focused reports. 1
    3. Continue meetings with Student Assessment Advisory Board to directly incorporate student perspective and feedback related to survey items, results, participation incentives, etc. 1

Endnotes

  • 1 Wilkes Strategic Plan, Goal 2: SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS > Invest and empower all members of the campus community in student retention efforts > (1) Develop and formalize improved communication networks, data sharing and processes across departments and divisions.
  • 2 Wilkes Strategic Plan, Goal 1: ADVANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE > Affirm the value and relevance of the traditional liberal arts and sciences while championing new academic programs and delivery models > (3) Develop, sustain and assess diverse, innovative degree, certificate and badge offerings across the full range of University programs.
  • 3 Wilkes Strategic Plan, Goal 4: PROMOTE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS > Improve Access to Partnerships > (1) Leverage current personnel and offices to develop a clear pathway for internal and external parties to explore new partnerships and fully utilize current collaborations.
  • 4 Wilkes Strategic Plan, Goal 3: PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY, ENRICHMENT AND SERVICE > Enhance professional and career development for faculty and staff > (4) Encourage and fund external career development opportunities.
  • 5 Wilkes Strategic Plan, Goal 3: PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY, ENRICHMENT AND SERVICE >  Strengthen and formalize our commitment to an inclusive and equitable campus climate > (4) Support and resource retention efforts that focus on an inclusive and equitable campus culture.
  • 6 Wilkes Stategic Plan, Goal 3: PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY, ENRICHMENT AND SERVICE > Strengthen and formalize our commitment to an inclusive and equitable campus climate > (6) Practice transparency in reporting up-to-date demographic data and metrics related to student, faculty and staff recruitment and retention.

References