Strategic Plan
The 2020-2023 Strategic Plan articulates the primary role of the Division of Student Affairs in supporting students and contributing to the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Plan is the result of two years of planning and input from more than 100 Student Affairs staff.
Our Plan Forward (2024-2029)
Mission, vision, values and priorities were refreshed in early Fall 2023
Vision (Where We Want to Go)
All students are supported through their academic journey, have pathways to achieve learning and career goals and are embraced as valuable members of the UWM community.
Mission (Why We Exist)
Our mission is to create an engaging community where students feel they belong at UWM, to develop transformative learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and to provide services and experiences that support and promote student wellbeing so that students can thrive, persist, and succeed.
Strategic Priorities (Long-Term Direction)
- Belonging: Provide services, experiences, programs, and inclusive spaces that celebrate and honor students’ diverse identities, ensuring everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
- Engagement: Actively engage in collaborative partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders to offer opportunities and pathways for students to connect with one another, our institution, and the city of Milwaukee.
- Learning: Provide opportunities that challenge students, resulting in knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, skill development, and transformational personal growth.
- Wellbeing: Engage students in a range of initiatives that promote their physical, mental, spiritual, occupational, social, intellectual, and emotional wellbeing. We provide students with the necessary tools, support, resources, and guidance to navigate their personal health and overall wellbeing.
- Efficient and Effective Operations: Maintain a division that is appropriately resourced, staffed, and structured to support students and staff.
Values (Principles that Guide Us)
- Student-Centricity: We center our work around students’ needs, interests, and aspirations; we incorporate and elevate student voices; and we work directly with students as we create and enhance programs and services.
- Equity and Inclusion: We cultivate a culture of inclusivity, equity, and belonging through our actions so every member can be their authentic selves.
- Collaboration: We develop strong, trusting relationships with students and colleagues to work across areas and toward a common purpose.
- Leadership: We develop leadership skills in ourselves and students, empower students and staff to take initiative, practice adaptability and accountability, and demonstrate care.
Operational Goals were finalized in Fall 2023
Goal 1: Develop and improve policies, organizational structures, programs, and services to foster and sustain an inclusive campus community (Belonging)
- Champion: Director of Advocacy and Engagement
- Committee: Equity and Justice
Goal 2: Create intentional opportunities for students to make meaningful connections to other students, faculty, staff, and the greater Milwaukee community (Engagement)
- Champion: Director of Athletics & AVC/Dean of Students
- Committee: Campus Life
Goal 3: Maximize student engagement, from point of entry to graduation, in a distinctly UWM experience (Engagement)
- Champion: Director of Athletics & AVC/Dean of Students
- Committee: Campus Life
Goal 4: Structure and sequence learning and development opportunities outside the classroom (Learning)
- Champion: Director of Student Learning, Assessment and Planning
- Committee: Student Learning and Development
Goal 5: Provide high-quality holistic support services that are easily accessible and available to students (Wellbeing)
- Champions: Executive Director of SHAW
- Committee: Campus Cares sub-team
Goal 6: Enhance employee development by investing in centralized onboarding and training, regular professional development, and coordinated opportunities that support employee development and morale (Efficient and Effective Operations)
- Champions: Vice Chancellor for DSA
- Committee: Staff Engagement and Development
Goal 7: Collect, evaluate, and share data regularly to reach informed decisions and link processes for assessment, evaluation of operations, planning and budgeting (Efficient and Effective Operations)
- Champions: Director of Student Learning, Assessment and Planning
- Committee: Assessment
Student Goals were finalized in February 2024
Connect
- One Sentence Description for Students: Panthers engage with the university community, embrace new people and diverse perspectives, and express their authentic selves.
- Longer Narrative for Staff: 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
- One Sentence Description for Students: 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.
- Longer Narrative for Staff: 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
- One Sentence Description for Students: Panthers thrive as they pursue personal growth and well-being, build resilience, and embrace social responsibility.
- Longer Narrative for Staff: 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 were finalized in April 2024
Goal 1: All staff feel respected and valued.
Narrative: 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.
Goal 2: Staff are empowered to prioritize student success.
Narrative: 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.
Goal 3: Staff thrive personally and professionally.
Narrative: Continued growth through support, professional development, and networking is vital to the wellbeing of all staff.