The University of Iowa is extending the timeline for each phase of refreshing its strategic plan by six months. The UI Strategic Plan 2021–2026 is critical to the future success of the university, and the additional time will provide the campus an opportunity to better evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact while developing flexible strategies to respond.

“COVID-19 has and will continue to have a significant impact upon higher education and the university for years to come,” says Marty Scholtz, vice president for research and co-chair of the Strategic Plan Development Group (SPDG). “It’s a fluid situation, so we want to make sure we’re very thoughtful about how we evaluate themes, issues, and opportunities for the UI to distinguish itself as an institution.”

The SPDG is currently identifying themes from the first drafts of college and unit strategic plans submitted to the president and provost in February 2020. Now, it will solicit further feedback about draft goals, strategies, and metrics through fall 2021 and submit a final plan to the provost and president on Dec. 1, 2021. The final plan is due to the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, on Jan. 3, 2022.

The SPDG will provide multiple opportunities for the campus community’s participation during the plan’s comprehensive, collaborative, and transparent development process. Further details about town hall meetings, open forums, small-group meetings, and interaction via social media will be shared with faculty, staff, and students when available.