Slideshow: The UAA 2025 Strategic Plan

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The UAA 2025 Strategic Plan is a framework that defines, communicates and brings to life our shared expectations for UAA by the year 2025. The plan builds on our strengths and focuses attention and resources on delivering high-quality education to meet the needs of the people of Alaska and build a better future. 

After months of meetings, stakeholder engagement and comprehensive interaction at all levels of our institution, UAA 2025 consists of five key aspirations we aspire to reach by the year 2025, and subsequent strategies to achieve each of them. Learn more about the new strategic plan on the UAA 2025 website.

“UAA 2025 is truly a transformative effort. Building off of the success that was UAA 2020, the new strategic plan is the culmination of the entire UAA community and stakeholders listening to each other and learning from one another. I consider that collaboration and shared understanding as the inspiration for (or foundation of) this living document, one that keeps us focused on what matters most: ensuring student success, narrowing equity gaps and strengthening our community for generations to come." — Bruce Schultz, Interim Chancellor

Mission

Subject to Board or Regents approval in February 2021, UAA transforms lives through teaching, research, community engagement and creative expression in a diverse and inclusive environment. Serving students, the state and the communities of Southcentral Alaska, UAA is a comprehensive, open access, public university established on the ancestral lands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples.

Vision

We are known as a university of distinction, transforming lives and communities.

“UAA is an anchor institution that will persist well into Alaska’s future. It’s our role as the caretakers of this important university to lay a vision for UAA’s future, and even more so in challenging times. UAA 2025 intentionally seeks to identify the pillars or aspirations that will drive us forward collectively and collaboratively. With intentional and thoughtful implementation, this plan will serve to strengthen our culture and lay that foundation for decision making as we move forward.” — Christi Bell, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Business Enterprise Institute Executive Director

Aspiration #1: We put students first.

• UAA becomes a student-centered institution.
• Equity gaps in student learning and achievement are narrowed.
• Students are retained, persist and graduate at increasing rates.
• Students develop and achieve UAA’s Core Learning Competencies.

“Everything we do must put students and student success first. When we consider the aspirations collectively, they speak to where we are today while simultaneously laying a vision for where we want to be four years from now.” — Christi Bell, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Business Enterprise Institute Executive Director

Aspiration #2: We create a culture of equity and inclusion by embracing diversity.

• Increase student, faculty and staff diversity.
• Address and strive to eliminate systemic racism from our policies and practices.
• Create a sense of belonging and community for marginalized groups.
• Strengthen existing partnerships and develop meaningful new ones with Alaska Native tribes, corporations and organizations.
• Focus and align priorities within the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan with these strategies.

“Over 700 people contributed to shaping UAA 2025. The aspirations were derived from embracing a collaborative and inclusive approach, and a deep and collective reflection and appreciation of the uniqueness of who we are, who we serve and who we aspire to be. They are realistic and inspirational. They guide our actions and decisions. They reflect each and all of us.” — LuAnn Piccard, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Project Management Department Chair

Aspiration #3: We embrace our role as a trusted and respected community partner.

• Demonstrate value and meaningful progress on UAA 2025 aspirations.
• Align and communicate UAA capacity to meet community needs.
• Deepen and expand community engagement beyond current level.

“The aspirations and strategies in UAA 2025 are the result of discussions with hundreds of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. The aspirations are intended to reflect what makes UAA special and are designed to be inclusive of all the activities performed at the university that help achieve the university’s mission.” — Joel Potter, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Department of Philosophy Assistant Professor

Aspiration #4: We positively impact communities and the world through innovation.

• Strengthen interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Enhance scholarship, service and teaching related to the Arctic, aligned with UAA’s mission.
• Increase external sponsorship of research, scholarship and creative activities, expanding student opportunity where possible.

"In order to truly move the needle and deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits, we must excel at ‘strategic doing.’ UAA 2025 has created a wonderful opportunity to transform how we engage and collaborate with our community of stakeholders. Four years from now, I want other universities to come to us asking, 'How did you do it?’ and seek to learn from our leadership example and positive impact." — LuAnn Piccard, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Project Management Department Chair

Aspiration #5: We accelerate excellence through continuous improvement.

• Reduce barriers and redundancies in administrative processes.
• Enhance revenue and financial sustainability through increased enrollment, external support, fundraising and fee-for-service entrepreneurial activities.
• Strengthen UAA’s environmental sustainability practices.

“UAA 2025 has the potential to unify the university around a set of shared aspirations, providing continuity and direction through challenges and changes.” — Joel Potter, UAA 2025 Tri-chair, Department of Philosophy Assistant Professor

 

Learn more about the new strategic plan on the UAA 2025 website.