Process
Process and Timeline
At a high level, development of the strategic framework will consist of three main phases.
Visioning
Fall 2020–Ongoing
Embrace divergent thinking and hear from the community about Clark’s enduring values and the shape of Clark’s future. Events and activities are focused on building a collective sense of what defines Clark and Clarkies, as well as building a culture of possibility that invites ideas and innovation in an inclusive and open way.
Focus
Summer 2021–Ongoing
Build on elements of our shared identity and the ideas that come forward in the visioning phase. Working with experts and stakeholders in key areas, we evaluate and hone our list of ideas, and we start to articulate and iterate our vision for the future.
Strategic Framework
Fall 2021
Establish a strategic framework that clarifies our shared mission, values, and vision; identify institutional goals and key performance indicators; and serve as a dynamic compass for decision-making and planning. This first iteration of the framework will provide a basis for ongoing conversation, and will evolve over time in response to emerging needs and changing conditions.
Bringing Ideas Forward
How does any one idea progress from the visionary stage to becoming reality? Here we outline the steps, which will become a more formal process. We want to cultivate and embrace a culture of innovation and idea generation that allows for ongoing consideration of potential new programs, investments, and partnerships targeting success in the five areas of strategic focus and investment.
- Ideation
& Vision - Explore
& Evaluate - Pursue
& Plan -
Implement - Monitor
& Assess
Where do we start?
As a community and as individuals, we all participate in the blue-sky generation of ideas for the future of Clark. As we develop the strategic framework, we will identify ways to encourage this kind of thinking, as well as transparent processes for accepting and including ideas from across the community. Even after the strategic framework has been established, this part of the process should remain open.
Where should we focus?
Through systematic evaluation, we begin to gauge the value and viability of a specific opportunity. We also seek to balance investments across our five areas of strategic focus through a wide range of initiatives, though not necessarily advancing all five through any individual initiative.
How do we drive forward?
At this point, we are confident that a specific project should move forward. Broader engagement of the community and active stakeholders takes place followed by thorough due diligence, financial modeling, and project planning.
What brings the dream to life?
The establishment of leadership teams and deliverables commences. Within this stage, firm timelines with key checkpoints are developed. In parallel, the University commits the appropriate personnel and resource capital with focused intentionality.
Are we delivering?
The University takes the critical steps of identifying and tracking key performance indicators. We must thoughtfully focus on measurable data elements coupled with rich qualitative feedback while also evaluating any collateral effects. Assessment is a constant loop that dually considers short-term and long-term impact.
-
Ideation & Vision
-
Explore & Evaluate
-
Pursue & Plan
-
Implement
-
Monitor & Assess
Where do we start?
As a community and as individuals, we all participate in the blue-sky generation of ideas for the future of Clark. As we develop the strategic framework, we will identify ways to encourage this kind of thinking, as well as transparent processes for accepting and including ideas from across the community. Even after the strategic framework has been established, this part of the process should remain open.
Where should we focus?
Through systematic evaluation, we begin to gauge the value and viability of a specific opportunity. We also seek to balance investments across our five areas of strategic focus through a wide range of initiatives, though not necessarily advancing all five through any individual initiative.
How do we drive forward?
At this point, we are confident that a specific project should move forward. Broader engagement of the community and active stakeholders takes place followed by thorough due diligence, financial modeling, and project planning.
What brings the dream to life?
The establishment of leadership teams and deliverables commences. Within this stage, firm timelines with key checkpoints are developed. In parallel, the University commits the appropriate personnel and resource capital with focused intentionality.
Are we delivering?
The University takes the critical steps of identifying and tracking key performance indicators. We must thoughtfully focus on measurable data elements coupled with rich qualitative feedback while also evaluating any collateral effects. Assessment is a constant loop that dually considers short-term and long-term impact.
