Division of Student Affairs embarks on Strategic Planning Process

Ohio University’s Division of Student Affairs (DOSA) recently embarked on a strategic planning process that will help to maximize the support services provided to OHIO students. The two-year process will culminate in March 2018 with the publication of DOSA’s new strategic plan, which will redefine the division and guide its future endeavors.  

“By identifying a common vision and mission, division leadership seeks to unite staff, highlight its collective strength and promote a culture of care—care for students and for one another,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Pina.

The division has committed to engaging with a broad range of students, faculty, staff and community partners to redefine the scope of OHIO’s student services. To date, project lead Jenny Hall-Jones, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, has met with all 13 of the division’s departments and hosted two open forums for external constituents.

A complete schedule of upcoming forums and feedback sessions can be viewed here. Those who cannot attend the open forums are invited to submit feedback by emailing studentaffairs@ohio.edu.

“My hope is that meaningful participation in the planning process will foster a stronger relationships and end product,” said Hall-Jones. “To date, we’ve gained a lot of valuable insights from division staff and our University partners, and we will mold our strategic planning process around that feedback.”

According to Hall-Jones, the spring employee listening sessions have informed DOSA’s eight strategic planning principals:

• Develop a sense of community and trust
• Assessment of our current position
• Define the must-haves
• Everyone’s voice in DOSA matters
• Students centered
• Communication, transparency & marketing are key
• A living, breathing document that is relevant
• The end result should hit a sweet spot

"Not only will these thoughts guide our planning strategies, they will also impact the ways in which we implement the final plan,” Hall-Jones said. “Our goal is a strategic plan that enhances the student experience by guiding the work that the division undertakes. Ideally, it will also help division employees realize our collective impact."