Implementation of Palomar College Strategic Plan 2005

By Luene H. Corwin

A three-year strategic plan for Palomar College was created with participation from representatives of all areas. Specific goals, and actions to be achieved, have been created and need to be implemented.

To begin the strategic planning process, a careful look was given to what the college itself is like. The communities Palomar College serves were studied to learn what they are like now and what they are anticipated to become. Data about students and a student satisfaction survey were used. Government planners, business and industry representatives, and high school and university representatives brought their information to the Strategic Planning Task Force. Some assumptions upon which planning could be based were then developed.

Many suggestions were given for a short statement that captures the vision of what Palomar College is about. Several graphics were developed for a new logo. The final vote for both dynamically captures the sports name, The Comets, with the vision statement, "Learning for Success".

A writing team helped the Task Force develop a mission statement from all the ideas put forward. "Palomar College is an educational leader committed to quality learning. We provide our community the knowledge, information, skills, and aesthetic appreciation necessary to live responsibly, effectively, and creatively in an interdependent and changing world."

Five overall goals were established and specific actions to be taken were developed. These were reviewed by over 350 faculty, staff, and administrators at the beginning of the spring semester. A campus-wide survey followed. Very briefly, the categories of the goals are student success, teaching and learning excellence, organizational and professional development, facilities improvement, and resource management.

Some examples of action statements that can be measured are "Increase scholarship recipients and donors through improved processes and procedures" and "Develop and implement standardized course syllabus content." Another action will be to "Formalize a governance process that assures appropriate evaluation of, and response to, committee recommendations." It will be very easy to determine if "Develop a schedule, based on the Educational and Facilities Master Plan, to remodel and renovate buildings" is achieved.

It is now up to staff, faculty, and administration to implement all the specific action statements. It is up to the Board of Directors to set policy that encourages completion and allocates resources to achieve desired results. Members of the Board can be helpful in communicating all the aspects of the Strategic Plan to the community. I am proud to have been part of the Strategic Planning Task Force and commit myself to seeking its implementation.