Fall Strategic Plan Update

We are pleased to share with the University community an update on the strategic planning process underway here at St. John’s.

The Strategic Planning Committee trichairs met weekly throughout the summer, and continue to meet weekly on a variety of strategic planning topics. In addition, the 20-person Strategic Planning Committee continues to meet monthly, and the subcommittees (consisting of 76 students, faculty, administrators, and staff) meet regularly.

Collectively, we continue to develop proposed goals and action items pertaining to the five foundational pillars of the strategic plan. As a reminder, those five pillars focus on 

• The Student Experience
• Academic Distinction
• Mission, Equity, and Inclusion
• Developing and Maximizing Institutional Resources
• Amplifying the St. John’s Brand

During the summer, the Strategic Planning Committee and subcommittees heard presentations about academic programs and enrollment from Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair. Sharon Hewitt Watkins, C.P.A., Vice President for Business Affairs, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, discussed the University’s finances.

In addition, the Strategic Planning Committee trichairs met with the leadership of the University’s Equity and Inclusion team in an effort to ensure that issues of equity and inclusion are thoughtfully integrated throughout the strategic plan. Last week, the trichairs received feedback and suggestions from the President’s Advisory Council; next week, the entire Strategic Planning Committee will meet with the academic deans of the University’s various Schools and Colleges. In October, presentations by the Committee trichairs about the strategic plan and planning process will be made to the St. John’s University Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.

In November and December, the Strategic Planning Committee plans to host campus community feedback sessions, during which members of the broader student body, faculty, administration, and staff may offer their reactions to the five foundational pillars and provide feedback on the goals being developed for each pillar. Additional information about these sessions and the format for each will be announced to the University community in October. 

In the week ahead, a dedicated strategic plan page on the University’s website will be launched, providing easy access to information about the strategic plan, the foundational pillars, and the timeline for the strategic planning process. The committee remains on schedule to deliver in April 2022 its draft of a five-year strategic plan to Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, for his review and consideration. Following Fr. Shanley’s review, the strategic plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its May 2022 meeting. 

We will continue to send periodic updates about the development of the strategic plan to the St. John’s community throughout the fall and winter. Please know that we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Thank you.