2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan

Introduction 

Early in the fall of 2023, a committee composed of faculty, staff, administrators, and College Board of Trustee members was formed to develop the framework for, and a draft of, Casper College’s next Strategic Plan. The committee set the framework for developing the Strategic Plan, and then fleshed out a draft plan. The next step in the process is to release this draft plan to the College community and various stakeholders for evaluation and input.

The finalized strategic plan will run from 2024-2027, and will list strategic priorities the College wants to address during that time frame, as well as Goals to support those priorities. The Goals will be addressed, and ultimately achieved by pursuing a set of Strategies outlined for each Goal.  These Strategies will be developed by the appropriate areas of the College after the Strategic Plan has been finalized and approved, and may shift periodically as time progresses. For illustrative purposes, a single strategy has been listed under each Goal. These strategies are meant only as examples, and again, strategies are not meant to be a published portion of the Strategic Plan. However, input is encouraged on all three levels: Priorities, Goals, and Strategies.

Primer 

Below is a summary of the basic tenets used in the development of the framework and draft Strategic Plan:

Why Prepare a Strategic Plan?

• Share vision with stakeholders
• Alignment with campus community
• Accreditation
• Road map to achieve mission and vision
• Resources prioritization and allocation

A Good Strategic Plan:

• Is clear and concise
• Allows for adaptation of strategies
• Is based on broad collaboration
• Is manageable in size and scope
• Includes measurable outcomes and progress

New Plan:

• Is envisioned to have three basic levels of structure
  • Priorities – Broad ideas that must be primary focal areas
    • Goals – Measurable goals that support one or more priorities
      • Strategies – Specific plans or actions to support a specified goal
    • The final, published plan will list and focus on priorities and goals while the internal, living plan will add in strategies, which will evolve over time

Casper College Strategic Plan 2024-2027

1. Student Enrollment, Retention, and Success

a. Focus on strategies to maintain and increase enrollment

i. Example Strategy: Explore new or additional delivery modes for traditionally-delivered programs

b. Implement strategies to maintain and increase student retention

i. Example Strategy: Monitor depth and breadth of student services to ensure changing student needs continue to be met

c. Increase tracking of student progress towards goal attainment post-graduation/completion

i. Example Strategy: Work with local facilities to track placement of health care graduates

2. Program Development and Innovation

a. Monitor and maintain our academic program relevancy

i. Example Strategy: Increase stackable credential processes and opportunities in appropriate fields

b. Develop and evolve programs to ensure our continued role as a comprehensive community college

i. Example Strategy: Maintain programs in continuing education, the arts, and student competitive teams

c. Expand student internship opportunities with both existing and new programs/industries

i. Example Strategy: Develop apprenticeships beyond electrical and plumbing programs

3. Community Outreach and Educational Partnerships

a. Effectively promote Casper College in our larger community

i. Example Strategy: Use college alumni as formal ambassadors

b. Create opportunities for college advocacy and outreach

i. Example Strategy: Increase college collaboration with local and state-wide events, (i.e. Skills USA, Governor’s Business Forum, etc)

c. Enhance partnerships with Natrona County School District

i. Example Strategy: Ensure consistent engagement with high school career planning

4. Employee Engagement

a. Continue to recruit highly qualified and dedicated employees

i. Example Strategy: Ensure pay levels, benefit packages, and working conditions are commensurate with those of peer institutions

b. Retain highly qualified and dedicated employees

i. Example Strategy: Prioritize the demonstration of our appreciation of employees

c. Cultivate a culture of personal and professional development among all employees

i. Example Strategy: Provide opportunities for enhanced employee engagement and connection

5. Perceived Value of Higher Education

a. Methodically expand lifelong learning opportunities

i. Example Strategy: Use Community Education students and experiences to carry our message

b. Strengthen relevant and engaging opportunities beyond classroom learning

i. Example Strategy: Provide additional cross-discipline opportunities for collaboration, (i.e. the Health Science Simulation Center)

c. Demonstrate positive outcomes of a Casper College education

i. Example Strategy: Develop advertising campaign using student stories and accompanying data to highlight student achievements.