President Robert J. Jones and Provost Tricia Serio believe the strategic plan should be both accessible and actionable. To that end, the strategic planning committee has been directed to develop a concise narrative and a succinct set of priorities and objectives.
Given the urgency of this moment, the planning process will follow a clear timeline:
- December 15, 2025: Submit a preliminary draft to President Jones and Provost Serio for initial review and feedback.
- January 31, 2026: Submit a revised second draft, incorporating feedback and additional input.
- February and March 2026: Solicit feedback from internal and external stakeholders and partners.
- March 27, 2026: Submit the final version, following further internal and external engagement, including consultation with the Board of Regents.
After the final submission:
- President Jones and Provost Serio will work with the University’s Senior Leadership Team and the Senate Committee on Planning & Budgeting to develop metrics for measuring progress.
- All academic and administrative units will refresh their own strategic plans to align with the University-wide plan.
President Jones and Provost Serio have charged the strategic planning committee with developing a plan that meets the urgency of this moment and:
- Advances the University of Washington’s mission as a major public research university committed to excellence in teaching, discovery, impact and public service
- Identifies bold goals along with enabling strategies and tactics that position the UW for success in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape
- Guides institutional decision-making, particularly in relation to resource allocation and strategic investment
- Informs related initiatives across the University
- Sustains strategic momentum through the conclusion of the 2029–30 academic year, with a focus on actionable steps over the next two years
The plan will be reviewed and refreshed prior to the final year of UW’s current accreditation cycle (2028-29), or earlier if circumstances require.
Strategic planning does not occur in isolation—it is shaped by a variety of contextual considerations. The following key sources will inform development of the University’s new strategic plan:
- Mission, Vision and Values: The University’s foundational mission, vision and values will be reflected throughout the strategic plan.
- Unit- and Campus-Level Strategic Plans: Most schools, colleges, campuses and administrative units have developed their own strategic plans with extensive input from faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders. During the 2024–25 academic year, these plans were reviewed and synthesized into a strategic framework that identified common crosscutting themes.
- Federal Policy Landscape: The evolving federal landscape significantly influences our current and future direction.
- Existing and Emerging Strategic Initiatives: The strategic plan will articulate the UW’s future direction, building on initiatives already underway. These serve as implementation pathways and sources of inspiration:
- Finance, Planning & Budgeting’s Together We Thrive program, which outlines financial challenges and a collaborative approach to solutions, including the transition to an Incentive-Based Budgeting model.
- The Diversity Blueprint, now entering its final year and undergoing review.
- Strategic initiatives supported by the Strategic Initiatives Office, including Population Health, Civic Health, Youth Mental Health and Well-Being, Climate and Artificial Intelligence.
- University Advancement’s early-stage preparations for the next comprehensive fundraising campaign.
- College, school and unit-level strategic plans, as available.
- A new tri-campus guide for incorporating community engagement into strategic planning.
- The Research Resilience and Transformation initiative, which is developing strategies to enhance the sustainability, competitiveness and impact of UW’s research enterprise while mitigating emerging risks.
- Historical Context: This plan will build on the momentum of previous strategic efforts.
Have an idea that you would like the committee to consider? Want to ask a question about the planning process?
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