A collage of studens on Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield's scenic campuses

Strategic Planning

illustration of Carver Hall

Commonwealth University’s inaugural strategic plan identifies student-centered initiatives and ideals to advance our mission, vision, values, and goals, empowering students to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. Our strategic statements, priorities, and commitments will guide this journey of learning, discovery, growth, and achievement.
 



View a .pdf of Commonwealth University's Strategic Plan

Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)

Through an inclusive nomination process, President Hanna appointed a Strategic Planning Committee to analyze the feedback from our campus community and develop the final strategic plan for approval. The members of this committee are listed below.

  • Elizabeth Arnold
    Executive Communications and Editorial Director
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Skylar Brown
    Student - Political Science Major
    Mansfield
  • Dr. John Bodenman 
    Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
    Strategic Planning Core Team Member
    Bloomsburg
  • Ms. Denise Davey
    Financial Aid Administrator, Financial Aid
    AFSCME Representative
    Mansfield
  • Ms. Amy DeLozier
    Director of Student Recreation Center & Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor
    SCUPA Representative
    Mansfield 
  • Dr. Amy Downes
    Associate Vice President for Student Success and Campus Life
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Tess Fosse
    Executive Director, Disability Services and ADA Coordinator, University Disability Services
    Bloomsburg
  • Mr. Kenneth Hall
    Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    Lock Haven
  • Mr. Drew Hostetter
    BU Foundation Board Chair
    Bloomsburg
  • Ms. Brandy Hower
    Clerical Assistant 3, Nursing UG
    Nursing Department
    Bloomsburg
  • Mr. Steve Jones
    BU Foundation Board Vice Chair
    Bloomsburg
  • Ms. Joleen Karichner
    Clerk Typist 3, Health Science
    AFSCME Representative
    Lock Haven
  • Dr. Carolyn LaMacchia
    Chair and Associate Professor of Instructional Technology, Analytics, and Workforce Learning
    APSCUF Representative
    Bloomsburg
  • Mr. Rick Lilla
    Professor, Media Librarian
    APSCUF Representative
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Hope Lineman
    Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor on Workforce Innovation, PASSHE Executive Director Workforce Development
    Bloomsburg
  • Dr. Michael McFarland
    Director of Athletics, Professor, and Chair of Department of Athletics Faculty
    Bloomsburg
  • Dr. Lynda Michaels
    Associate Vice President for Alumni and Professional Engagement
    Bloomsburg
  • Dr. Cori Myers
    Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness 
    Strategic Planning Core Team Member
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Amy Osborne
    Assistant Provost
    Strategic Planning Core Team Member
    Bloomsburg
  • Ms. Gretchen Osterman
    Academic Advisor, Academic Advisement
    SCUPA President
    Bloomsburg
  • Dr. Alison Polly
    Assistant Professor, Education & Special Education
    APSCUF Representative
    Mansfield
  • Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan
    Dean, College of Science and Technology
    Bloomsburg
  • Ms. Jen Riter
    LHU Foundation Board Chair
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Barbara Romano 
    '83, '21M Alumna
    Vice President, IT Product Development & Governance
  • Mr. Timothy Shuey
    Vice President for Fiscal Affairs
    Mansfield 
  • Ms. Stacy Wagner
    Associate Vice President, Facilities
    Mansfield
  • Mr. Justin White
    Student - Sports Administration Major
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Christine Wise
    Assistant Director of Community Service
    SCUPA Representative
    Lock Haven
  • Ms. Kate Woodruff
    Student - Geography and Environmental Planning
    Bloomsburg

Strategic Planning Process

Following the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities and adoption of unified Mission, Vision, and Values statements in August 2022, Commonwealth University embarked on its first-ever strategic planning process. This effort, which kicked off in fall 2022 and carried through early summer 2023, involved input and perspectives from across our entire campus community. CU received Senate endorsement at the September 14 meeting, and awaits the October Council of Trustees (COT) meeting for final plan endorsement.

As we aspire toward our vision to be a premier regional public institution that supports and prepares all students for success in the global workforce, CU’s steadfast efforts resulted in a strategic plan that reflects broad perspectives from everyone who has an important stake in the university – our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, donors, and business and community leaders.

To accomplish this, many opportunities for inclusive engagement through the course of the strategic planning process, were communicated and included surveys, focus groups, town halls, and local assembly meetings. At the fall 2023 Senate and COT meetings, CU seeks endorsement of the final draft; however, ongoing discussion and periodic review of the five-year plan will assure that it remains relevant as we move forward.

Strategic Planning Timeline The strategic plan development launched in fall 2022 and concluded in summer 2023.

Strategic Planning Timeline

Phase 1 - Research, Design, Plan

August ­– September 2022

  • Background research and planning
  • Meetings with leadership and core team
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews

Phase 2 - Draft Initial Plan

October – December 2022

  • Nominate CU Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)
  • Partner with key stakeholders to draft an initial framework
  • Introduce web-based comment tool
  • Deploy community survey

Phase 3 - Refine and Validate

January – March 2023

  • Host SPC kickoff meeting
  • Facilitate SPC working session(s) to further develop strategic priority areas and initiatives
  • Collaborate with university leadership on key plan elements
  • Share and validate draft plan with community via brief survey and existing shared governance structures
  • Facilitate culture and communication-focused listening and community building sessions

Phase 4 - Finalize, Share, and Prepare for Implementation

April – September 2023*

  • Partner with SPC to finalize goals, measures, and metrics

  • Finalize and design the strategic plan
  • Solicit feedback and endorsement through new Shared Governance Constitution and Council of Trustees
  • Ensure the organizational structures and processes are in place for effective plan implementation
  • Begin implementation process in partnership with university leadership

*The timeline was extended through September to accomodate when the new Senate first meets.

During fall 2022 and through early summer 2023, numerous opportunities for all members of the CU campus communities to participate in the strategic planning process were available through town halls and surveys. 

In March, CU invited your input through the Strategic Planning Framework Feedback Survey and used the responses to make revisions.  A brief presentation and opportunities for feedback were offered at the Local Assembly on each campus in April as a final opportunity to offer feedback. 

Please review the most recent Strategic Planning Framework.
Click here to download our Strategic Plan Visual Rendering.

Should you have any questions, please contact StrategicPlanning@commonwealthu.edu.  Thank you.