Highly Selective University
Seeks Guidance and Input in Developing a New Strategic Plan
Research and Assessment
Core Services Delivered
01
Peer Benchmarking Research
National benchmarking analysis of peer institutions’ strategies, infrastructures, plans, and comparable engagement roles to inform all project activities, including recommendations for position descriptions, identification and nomination of candidates to support the selection process, and development of implementation plans.
02
Listening Sessions and Insight-to-Action Survey
A series of expertly facilitated listening sessions - including one with more than 100 faculty participants - paired with a targeted pulse survey that generated over 300 in-depth responses, surfacing key challenges and opportunities to inform action.
03
Final Report
A comprehensive report translating data insights and community input into clear, prioritized findings and actionable recommendations to guide decision-making now and into the future.
Strategic Situation
The new provost at a leading STEM-focused research university was determined to put in place a credible leadership role and infrastructure campus-wide while they worked towards a strategic plan.
Shared governance was strong on campus, and the faculty enjoyed a powerful role in shaping not only academic policy but also administrative decision-making and the development of any new senior campus roles.
The provost was determined to create a broad-based conversation that got people on board and establish an evidence-based approach to building the role for the campus community.
CSLSI Engagement
The provost had already successfully partnered with Dr. Williams and team in developing a new approach and infrastructure in the College of Engineering. Dr. Williams’ scholarship had garnered respect from faculty, who appreciated his research-based approach to leadership development. The provost was confident we could collaborate on similar campus-wide goals.
Impact
This campus-wide engagement was widely appreciated and supported by faculty, creating a strong base for the new role. One faculty leader noted:
“this report is amazing and really top-notch research to drive our work.”