Strategic Plan Framework

On Feb. 23, 2021 the CE strategic planning team began its work to conduct an inclusive and collaborative process that will ultimately guide the department direction in the coming years and ensure alignment with the strategic initiatives of the college and the university.

Focus groups and interviews were conducted with faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry partners to gain a thorough understanding of the current situation and desired future outcomes of this department. In total, nearly 1,000 comments were analyzed to develop a draft plan.

The vision, mission, and values established as part of the COE strategic plan hold true for its departments and all members of the organization. But departments within a college or organization have essential roles and responsibilities in making the vision reality. The primary functions of this strategic plan are two-fold: 1) to understand the unique role of CE in helping to fulfill the COE strategic plan and, 2) to articulate what the college-wide core values mean for CE’s decision-making and organizational interactions.

It is only through clear understanding of both that allows the department to then set clear, specific goals and management strategies needed to realize its strategic objective. The plan serves as the CE strategic objective from 2021 to 2026. The goals described in this plan will better define the role that hands-on learning and research has in preparing students for careers in civil engineering, promote a supportive and inclusive culture and focus on partnerships that provide high quality facilities to further faculty and student success through research and learning.

Core Values

Core values are the basis upon which we strategize, make decisions, and interact with each other and our stakeholders. The values of People Centered, Collaborative, Forward-Thinking, Transparent, and Bold represent what is important to the whole of the COE.

Core values need to be integrated into every interaction, process and function. CE has added desired cornerstone behaviors to the college core values statements to help shape our envisioned culture. These principles guide our internal conduct and external relationships to ensure we stay true to our strategic objective and provide a critical foundation for developing the goals and strategies necessary to achieve our vision.