Evolution of Plan

Central Michigan University's strategic planning process began in spring 2010 with the development of a mission statement and core values. CMU’s Board of Trustees approved these in December 2010.

The campus then focused on establishing a vision of what we aspire to be in five to 10 years, building on CMU’s remarkable, successful 120-year history.

With the vision set, five strategic priorities — each with supporting initiatives — were identified.

The vision and strategic priorities were adopted by the Board of Trustees in December 2012.

During its work, the Strategic Planning Team reviewed vision statements from more than 20 universities. It also met with hundreds of faculty, staff, alumni and community members during an 18-month engagement process. The vision statement and priorities evolved through several iterations, as shown below.

Key concepts that emerged throughout the conversations, as reflected in the final wording of the vision and priorities, included an emphasis on:

• Aspirations and a history of success.
• Quality faculty and staff.
• Inclusivity.
• Diversity.
• Global and national, with continued focus on Michigan.
• Research plus creative activities.
• Community partnerships.
• Economic impact.
• Physical and financial infrastructure.