Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 1 Ability to Meet the Mission Acknowledging the accomplishments and agility of Academy of Art University since its founding in 1929, the Strategic Plan envisions where we will take art and design education in the next five years. The Plan articulates the steps we must take to ensure the very best experience for our students, who are at the heart of the institution in the short, medium and long term. Origins President Stephens launched the Strategic Planning Initiative in spring 2015. Throughout the academic year, input was solicited from constituent groups across campus. » Academic Department Directors » Faculty » Board of Directors » Senior Management Team » Students The recommendations in Academy of Art University’s Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 represent the culmination of feedback from these constituencies. The Strategic Plan was crafted in late fall 2015 by the Strategic Planning Task Force, led by President Elisa Stephens and Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Nancy Houston. Key Academy of Art University leaders in the areas of education, finance, operations and technology participated on the Task Force. Implementation and Review The Strategic Plan will be shared with the constituent groups at Academy of Art University that created it, and with the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) and Academy of Art University’s other institutional and programmatic accreditors. Individual strategic goals will be assigned to managers and existing or ad hoc work teams, as appropriate to best execute individual strategic goals. Progress on implementing the plan will be reviewed quarterly as part of the President’s Report to the Board of Directors and also as part of Senior Management Team Meetings and Academic Department Director Meetings. The Strategic Plan will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary by the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Board of Directors. 1 Vision, Mission and Focus Areas Vision and Mission The Strategic Planning Initiative was guided by Academy of Art University’s Vision and Mission. Vision Mission It is the Vision of Academy of Art University to be the first choice for students seeking a world-class To be the first choice for students seeking a world- Academy of Art University prepares aspiring education in the arts and the first choice for those seeking to employ artists globally. class education in the arts and the first choice for professionals in the fields of design, communication those seeking to employ artists globally. and the arts by delivering excellent undergraduate and Our Mission permeates everything that we do: Academy of Art University prepares aspiring graduate degrees and certificate and portfolio programs. professionals in the fields of design, communication and the arts by delivering excellent undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate and portfolio programs. Focus Areas All strategic planning activities were grounded in four Focus Areas. » Institutional Effectiveness Institutional Students & Organization & Finance & » Students and Faculty Effectiveness Faculty Facilities Regulatory Compliance » Organization and Facilities » Curriculum Student Experience Business Practices Legal Finance and Regulatory Compliance Enhance and expand Deliver innovative Implement processes Meet applicable federal The four Focus Areas reflect the Core Commitments of our regional accreditor, WSCUC. with advice from student-centered to deliver world-class and state standards. industry, employers, learning experiences programs and student » Student Learning and Success advisory boards, and support services services. Accreditation directors, faculty & that enhance student Maintain institutional » Quality and Improvement students. satisfaction fostering Art/Academic and programmatic student health, wellness Department accreditations; achieve » Institutional Integrity, Sustainability and Accountability Student Success and fitness. Management new accreditations as Each Focus Area includes Critical Success Factors (see graphic on next page) that drive Academy of Art Analyze and use Develop effective needed. Faculty University toward continual innovation in academic programs, both onsite and online, supported by assessment results, track organizational model. and enhance persistence Recruit professionals Financial Stability advances in technology and facilities. and graduation rates in their field and Talent Management Manage departments to The framework of Critical Success Factors ensures that the Strategic Plan focuses on continued academic excellence, and employment develop as instructors Select, train, develop, meet budget goals. as instructors and staff lead the institution in tandem towards Academy of Art University’s 90th Anniversary. results. to effectively instruct, assess (morale and coach and mentor performance), and Reputation students. retain operational staff. Increase the Academy’s Critical Success Factors Critical Success standing locally, Facilities & nationally and Technology internationally. Manage and expand to meet student needs. Enrollment Growth Attract and enroll Campus Security students; effectively Ensure campus safety, manage growth. security and emergency preparedness. School of Graphic Design 2 3 To Achieve Its Mission, Academy of Art University: a. maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all persons who meet basic requirements for admission and instruction and who want to obtain higher learning in a wide spectrum of disciplines in art and design; b. teaches a disciplined approach to the study of art and design that encourages students to develop Focus Area 1: their own styles that blend their talents, technical skills and creative aspirations with professional knowledge; Institutional Effectiveness c. enlists a dedicated and very able full-time and part-time faculty of career artists and designers who are professionals and whose success as educators comes from their ability to teach students through the wisdom and skill they have amassed through years of practical experience; d. operates in an urban context so that academic programs can draw upon and contribute to the cultural wealth of those communities that are served; e. provides an inspiring environment that is at once supportive, challenging, and underpinned by excellent personalized instruction, coaching and support services that address the needs of students of diverse ages and backgrounds; f. offers liberal arts classes in support of our art and design majors designed to stimulate development of critical thinking and communications skills and to encourage emerging artists to draw upon a variety of disciplines, to look at issues from multiple perspectives and to cultivate the ability to contribute as educated global artists; g. manages in an ethical and efficient manner; administers the finances in a prudent fashion; and h. fosters optimum quality in all aspects of programs and services. School of Graphic Design School of Photography 4 5 Academy of Art University has effectively prepared students for the realities of the art and design industries for nearly 90 years. This means creating an inspiring and challenging learning environment while students are B. Student Success with us: supporting the needs of a broad population of learners simultaneously on campus and online, domestic Analyze and use assessment results, track and enhance persistence and graduation rates and and international, traditional and nontraditional, focused solely on school and balancing their education with employment results a multitude of other responsibilities in their lives. 1. Commit sufficient resources to make sure that students are consistently advised and mentored to be A continuing focus on our effectiveness includes strategies for successful delivering a cutting-edge learning experience, preparing students to meet industry needs and innovating both today and in the future 2. Ensure proper training/development of instructors to deliver curriculum effectively while anticipating the changing landscape of both education and 3. Provide greater support for learning, teaching and curriculum designed for English for Art Purposes the workplace. (EAP) students Meeting these challenges will ensure that aspiring artists and designers will seek us out in growing numbers and that their achievements, both while they are with us and as successful alumni, C. Reputation will continually raise the profile and prestige of an Academy of Art University education. Increase Academy of Art University’s standing locally, nationally and internationally The more students we graduate and successfully prepare to compete 1. Improve visibility of the breadth and depth of our curricular offerings both nationally and internationally in the global marketplace, the more our philosophy of hands-on, industry-driven education “by artists, for artists” will speak for itself. 2. Optimize faculty, student, and alumni achievements and success, both domestic and international, to enhance Academy of Art University’s reputation The key to our success will continue to be the robust real- Erina Yamada, Architecture world partnerships and feedback loops that come from working 3. Support ongoing industry-on-campus and alumni events from all departments professional instructors/coaches and frequent contact with and evaluation by industry representatives. 4. Increase partnership between academic directors and marketing to ensure accuracy of information We seek to both benefit from and contribute to the communities we serve as an institution