Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan defines the Division of Student Affairs’ key role in supporting students and furthering the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Developed through extensive planning and feedback from more than 100 Student Affairs staff members, this plan has led to the establishment of goals focused on operations, students, and employees.

Strategic Plan (PDF) Mission, Vision, & Values

Operational Goals

Belonging

Develop and improve policies, organizational structures, programs, and services to foster and sustain an inclusive campus community.

Champion: Director of Advocacy and Engagement

Committee: Equity and Justice

Engagement Part 1

Create intentional opportunities for students to make meaningful connections to other students, faculty, staff, and the greater Milwaukee community.

Champion: Director of Athletics & AVC/Dean of Students

Committee: Campus Life

Engagement Part 2

Maximize student engagement, from point of entry to graduation, in a distinctly UWM experience.

Champion: Director of Athletics & AVC/Dean of Students

Committee: Campus Life

Learning

Structure and sequence learning and development opportunities outside the classroom.

Champion: Director of Student Learning, Assessment and Planning

Committee: Student Learning and Development

Wellbeing

Provide high-quality holistic support services that are easily accessible and available to students.

Champions: Executive Director of SHAW

Committee: Campus Cares sub-team

Efficient & Effective Operations Part 1

Enhance employee development by investing in centralized onboarding and training, regular professional development, and coordinated opportunities that support employee development and morale.

Champions: Vice Chancellor for DSA

Committee: Staff Engagement and Development

Efficient & Effective Operations Part 2

Collect, evaluate, and share data regularly to reach informed decisions and link processes for assessment, evaluation of operations, planning and budgeting.

Champions: Director of Student Learning, Assessment and Planning

Committee: Assessment

Student Goals

Connect
Panthers engage with the university community, embrace new people and diverse perspectives, and express their authentic selves.
Panthers connect to their peers, faculty and staff, and the larger Milwaukee community to help shape a holistic understanding of themselves, their passions, and goals, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Panthers seek and contribute to communities that foster acceptance and meaningful connections.
Prepare
Panthers build a well-rounded set of skills, practical knowledge, and experiences to ensure they are career-ready, community-minded, and well-prepared to participate in an ever-changing future.
Panthers proactively develop skills in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, professionalism, and leadership to ensure they are ready for life after college.  Panthers hone these skills and additional Panther Edge traits through engagement in personal and professional development opportunities. As they apply these practical skills in their present life, they are also investing in their future.
Thrive
Panthers thrive as they pursue personal growth and well-being, build resilience, and embrace social responsibility.
To thrive is to grow and develop in healthy ways. Panthers who thrive become increasingly self-aware, knowledgeable, compassionate, and skilled to improve their well-being and actively contribute to the well-being of others. Thriving Panthers request and offer support when needed. They engage in and reflect on opportunities outside the classroom that help them to discover talents, enhance personal strengths and abilities, explore interests, and build resilience. Panthers who thrive develop a sense of meaning and purpose.

Employee Goals

All staff feel respected and valued.
When staff work in an inclusive, safe, and open environment where all thoughts, ideas, beliefs, cultures, and identities are welcome, respected, and appreciated, morale increases, and creativity and innovation thrive.
Staff are empowered to prioritize student success.
When staff are engaged and believe their work is meaningful, they take ownership of their role in student success as well as the success of the UWM Community.
Staff thrive personally and professionally.
Continued growth through support, professional development, and networking is vital to the wellbeing of all staff.