The Ascent 2029

At the request of the board, the university embarked on a comprehensive and highly inclusive strategic planning process in September of 2016. The University Council conducted a collaborative process consistent with the expectations of the President as articulated in the strategic planning scope document.

After presentations at the November 2016 and April 2017 board meetings, the Board of Trustees approved the strategic plan framework, at the May 2017 meeting. The approved goals, objectives, and key performance indicators serve as the strategic focus of the university through its centennial in 2029.

Eastern Oregon University Strategic Plan Framework – The Ascent 2029

Goal 1: Student Success – Graduate students with the competence and confidence to succeed

Objective 1: All graduates engage in high-impact, experiential learning activities

KPI 1: Students complete an internship, practicum experience, research project, or the equivalent
KPI 2: Students engage in meaningful civic, service-learning, or co-curricular activities

Objective 2: Graduates engage in post-graduate planning and preparation

KPI 1: 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of degree completion
KPI 2: 85% of alumni indicate EOU adequately prepared them for achievement of long-term educational and career goals

Goal 2: Transformational Education – Enrich academic quality and enhance intellectual vitality

Objective 1: Excellence in teaching and scholarship

KPI 1: Students experience meaningful student-faculty interactions
KPI 2: Faculty engage in best practice interactive pedagogies
KPI 3: Teaching and library faculty are supported in disciplinary research and/or the scholarship of teaching and learning

Objective 2: Graduates possess the essential learning outcomes employers seek

KPI 1: Graduates demonstrate proficiency in University Learning Outcomes
KPI 2: Graduates demonstrate readiness for a diverse and interconnected world

Goal 3: Grow the Number of Lives Impacted – Expand student access, opportunity, and completion

Objective 1: Serve as a growing and thriving rural university

KPI 1: Grow on campus FTE enrollment to 2,500
KPI 2: Grow on-line FTE enrollment to 5,000

Objective 2: Students are retained

KPI 1: Achieve 80% year 1 retention for first-year freshman cohort
KPI 2: Achieve 90% year 1 retention for entering transfers

Objective 3: Efficient degree attainment

KPI 1: Increase 4-year completion rates to 50% for first-year freshman cohort
KPI 2: Increase 2-year completion rates to 70% for entering transfer students

Goal 4: Thriving University Community – A great place to work and learn

Objective 1: Foster an inviting and supportive university culture that exemplifies EOU’s values and principles

KPI 1: Achieve national recognition on the “Great Colleges to Work For” list
KPI 2: 85% of students, faculty, and staff indicate the institution provides a supportive and caring environment

Objective 2: Support intercultural competency, inclusiveness, and diversity

KPI 1: Resident students reflect a cross-section of Oregon enriched by students from other regions and countries
KPI 2: The students, faculty, and staff demonstrate competency in intercultural interactions

Objective 3: Provide and maintain a campus that promotes quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and the community

KPI 1: Infrastructure and facilities are well maintained, accessible, safe and secure
KPI 2: The physical campus reflects and strengthens our naturally beautiful setting
KPI 3: Use of campus by stakeholders is maximized

Goal 5: Relevance and Interconnection – Serve as the educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural places

Objective 1: Educational partnerships are cultivated

KPI 1: Maximize transfer student credit articulation
KPI 2: Increase matriculation of regional high school students

Objective 2: Be recognized as a leader in promoting rural community prosperity and resilience

KPI 1: Designated as Oregon’s rural university
KPI 2: Achieve Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Goal 6: Financial Sustainability – Stewardship in financial sustainability and in growing EOU’s financial and capital resources

Objective 1: Develop and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and security for all university funds

KPI 1: Maintain E&G fund balance of 20-25%
KPI 2: Maintain primary reserve ratio ≥ 40%
KPI 3: Maintain debt burden ratio ≤ 5%

Objective 2: Foster a culture of philanthropy that significantly increases engagement with and giving to the university

KPI 1: Complete a successful comprehensive campaign
KPI 2: Increase alumni participation rate to 6 percent or more