Our Strategic Plan
A call to action and purpose
In February 2023, the Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) launched A United Division in Support of Students, a multi-year strategic plan aligning our collective efforts to center student success in every initiative. Guided by our core pillars and key performance indicators, this plan advances high-impact projects across housing, well-being, equity, and operational excellence.
Strategic phases
The DSAS Strategic Plan was developed through an intentional, multi-phase process designed to engage staff, gather insights, and turn ideas into action. Beginning with broad ideation, moving into a structured build phase, and now advancing through implementation, each stage reflects the voices of our division and our shared commitment to student success.
Phase 1: Strategic Ideation
February 2023 – August 2023
During Phase 1, divisional team members engaged in various exercises and provided both feedback about current divisional efforts and dreams of what would be. This feedback was collected in several ways, including at the fall DSAS staff kickoff in August 2022.
Phase 2: Strategic Build
Aug. 2023 – March 2024
After the kickoff, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success formed a Strategic Plan Planning Committee and charged committee members with reviewing all feedback and using that feedback to develop the strategic plan’s initiatives. The Strategic Plan Planning team met several times during fall and winter quarters. By mid-winter 2023, the 22-member team completed their task and submitted 12 strategic plan initiatives to the Vice Chancellor. Identifying these 12 initiatives signaled the end of Phase 1.
Phase 3: Strategic Action
April 2024 through actualization
On Friday, May 24, Vice Chancellor Akirah Bradley-Armstrong announced the official start of phase 3 with the launch of the first strategic initiative: operational excellence.
To learn more about operational excellence and how the DSAS executive council is looking forward to its implementation, watch this launch video.
Strategic pillars
The DSAS Strategic Plan is anchored by two core pillars that guide our work and reflect our commitment to impact. A united division emphasizes building the internal strength, alignment, and capacity needed to sustain progress, while in support of students centers the programs, services, and infrastructure that directly shape the student experience. Together, these pillars ensure that our strategies are both collaborative and student-centered, creating a foundation for long-term success.
A united division
- Professional partners with a purpose
- Systems and structures for sustainable work
- Investments to attract and support talent
In support of students
- Programs and pathways that drive opportunities
- Unambiguous services with greater reach
- Better infrastructure for a stronger community
Implementation and outcomes
The DSAS Strategic Plan is designed as a multi-year journey, with each year building on the last to strengthen our division and expand our impact. From year one (2024–25) through year four (2027–28), the plan moves from foundational initiatives to long-term sustainability.
Year one: Foundations for impact
2024-25
Overview: In its first year, the DSAS Strategic Plan focused on two high-impact priorities: expanding the housing pipeline and advancing operational excellence. Together, these efforts address urgent student needs while strengthening the infrastructure that supports them.
Outcomes
Building the housing pipeline
To meet the critical demand for student housing, DSAS moved forward on several projects slated for a Fall 2026 opening—including Kresge Phase II, Student Housing West – Hagar, and the Delaware Addition. A long-range housing and dining business plan through 2040 was also completed, charting a sustainable path for growth and earning strong campus support.
Operational excellence
Year One also advanced initiatives that improved service delivery, streamlined processes, and strengthened data-informed decision-making. Notable outcomes include:
- Website redesigns that enhanced accessibility and student engagement
- A 53% increase in Student Health Center appointments through scheduling improvements
- Slug Support intake moved online for faster triage and better data tracking
- Centralized HR, communications, finance, and venue coordination to improve efficiency
Year two
2025-26
In its second year, DSAS is focusing on three critical priorities:
- Improve Access to Mental Health Services
- Increase Food Access for Students
- Developing Strong Supervisors
Cross-functional teams—guided by executive sponsors and project stewards—are advancing this work with clear alignment to our values and key performance indicators.
Year three
2026-27
Year three will build on earlier progress by strengthening the pathways that prepare both students and staff for long-term success. The division will focus on:
- Building Career Pipelines
- Curating a Skills for Life Curriculum for Students
- Developing Strong Supervisors
- Curating Onboarding Plans
Year four
2027-28
In its fourth year, DSAS will focus on reflection, partnership, and preparing for the future. These efforts ensure that the division not only sustains momentum but also evolves to meet emerging student needs. The priorities include:
- Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Plan Assessment
- Planning for Next Strategic Plan
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
To understand the impact of the strategic plan and keep our work accountable, DSAS tracks progress through four key indicators:
- Space and place investment: Advancing facilities and environments that support student success
- Well-being: Strengthening resources that promote health, safety, and belonging
- Organizational structure compared to priorities: Aligning people and systems with our goals
- Graduation: Supporting pathways that lead to timely degree completion
Committee members
- Dani Barker, Co-Chair
- Lucy Rojas, Co-Chair
- Aimee Mangan
- Amy Chavez
- Arlan Mendiola
- Bridge Kennedy
- Carlos Perez
- Carlos Perez
- Frank Dang
- Jade Dickerson
- Jessica Rashid
- Laura Gaskill
- Lenora Willis
- Mackenzi Rauls
- Maddie Lee
- Meg Kan
- Peter Reed
- Sara Radoff
- Sarah Woodside Bury
- Sharon Castro
- Suhayl Awad
- Tim Samuel
Operational Excellence launch video