An Update on Valparaiso University’s Strategic Plan

Valparaiso University adopted a five-year strategic plan, Uplift Valpo, in 2021. The plan was built around four themes – Learn, Serve, Lead, and Thrive – and the University has been making significant progress to meet the ambitious goals that were established. In keeping with the plan, last summer Valpo began the first-ever University-wide review of its administrative and academic processes. This initiative, which is ongoing, has included engaging dozens of faculty and staff interviews, hundreds of responses from campus-wide surveys, and an extensive analysis of University data and enrollment trends.

Valpo is now applying the learnings from this comprehensive evaluation to create an institutional roadmap, to continue to build on its successes and ensure a strong future. As a next step in this process, the University is beginning a deep examination of a limited number of academic programs that may require changes or possible discontinuance in the future due to lack of student demand. Linked here is a memo from Eric Johnson, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, which was sent to faculty members and staff earlier today detailing this process. 

Highlights from Provost Johnson’s memo include: 

• This will begin a long-established and thoughtful 5-month academic process of review and discussion at Valpo. 
• Colleges and universities across our state and country are engaged in the same self- reflection and programming analysis in response to the challenges facing higher education. 
• There are several potential outcomes to this process, and final decisions will be made later this year. The review does not impact any current students.
• Valpo just received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch a new Master’s in Social Work program this fall.

“Valparaiso University is constantly evaluating, anticipating, and responding to a changing student population, market, and world to keep the best interests of our students at the center of all that we do,” said Provost Johnson. “We should continue to be at the leading edge of teaching pedagogy within and across disciplines, focused on innovation and excellence.”