CU Strategic Plan: Where Are We & Where Are We Headed

Where Are We

In August 2021, the University of Colorado Board of Regents unanimously voted to support the inaugural 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan “Innovating for the Future” launching the current five (5) year strategic plan. 

Concludes June 2026

Where Are We Headed

Over the course of the next 18 months, the strategic planning team will focus on developing the next iteration of the University of Colorado’s strategic plan.

January 2025 to June 2026

Circular Arrows: Feedback, Listening & Engaging

Planning Process

  • Phase 1: Preparation & Planning 
  • Phase 2: Engagement & Listening
  • Phase 3: Defining the Scope
  • Phase 4: Synthesis & Prioritization
  • Phase 5: Finalization & Implementation

Timeline

Planning Timeline: Starts Early 2025, Phase 2: Engagement & Listening, Phase 3: Defining the Scope, Phase 4: Synthesis & Prioritization, Phase 5: Finalization & Implementation, Ends: June 2026

Phase 2: Engagement & Listening

  • Strategic Plan Working Group development
  • Engagement with full Board of Regents
  • Determining process and methodology
  • Gather feedback on process and current strategic plan
  • Development of Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats (SWOT) Analysis
  • Identify feedback themes & potential priorities in key topic areas
  • Strategic Planning Working Group process kickoff meeting
  • Input from campuses, system, and constituents

Phase 3: Defining the Scope

  • Complete Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats (SWOT) Analysis
  • Identification of set key priorities
  • Review & evaluate current goals, and consideration of new goals
  • Review & evaluate current metrics, and consideration of new metrics
  • Cost estimate development, as needed
  • Continued engagement with full Board of Regents
  • Continued input from campuses, system, and constituents

Phase 4: Synthesis & Prioritization

  • Evaluation of resources and costs
  • Utilize structure to identify priorities and areas of focus
  • Continued engagement with full Board of Regents
  • Continued input from campuses, system, and constituents

Phase 5: Finalization & Implementation

  • Regent Board Meeting – review, discussion and support
  • Strategic Plan publication
  • Implementation & ongoing annual assessment on progress

Strategic Planning Process Structure

Strategic Planning Process Structure

Initial Considerations

CU Strategic Plan 2.0 may replicate elements of the existing plan but may differ in: Duration, Focus

CU Strategic Plan 2.0 may replicate elements of the existing plan but may differ in:

  • Duration
  • Focus
We’ll leverage Artificial Intelligence to facilitate our work.

We’ll leverage Artificial Intelligence to facilitate our work.

The “Themes for the Future” discussed during the Summer 2024 BOR Retreat will guide the working groups’ conversations and recommendations.

The “Themes for the Future” discussed during the Summer 2024 BOR Retreat will guide the working groups’ conversations and recommendations.

Circular Arrows: Feedback, Listening & Engaging

Next Steps, Phase 2:  Engagement and Listening

  • Phase 1: Preparation & Planning
  • Phase 2: Engagement & Listening 
  • Phase 3: Defining the Scope
  • Phase 4: Synthesis & Prioritization
  • Phase 5: Finalization & Implementation