Vision2020
Challenge
The University of Cincinnati’s School of Human Services in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) was experiencing drastic change. In only three years the School had grown exponentially from three to seven programs. To sustain this immense growth and continue to grow
strategically the School recognized the need to develop a strategic plan. The plan would serve as a guide as for the School to successfully navigate their new growth.Partnering with M E Clarke Consulting the “School of Human Services Vision 2020” was created. This participatory process would engage students, faculty, staff and community partners in defining the future for the evolving program.
Process
In the fall of 2014, the School of Human Services leadership team engaged in meetings with M E Clarke Consulting to co-design a participatory process. After joint planning, an online survey was launched in February that was disseminated to all of the constituents of the School of Human Services. Approximately 400 survey responses were received from stakeholders across all seven programs in CECH. Our team then analyzed the responses for common themes and ideas. For validation of the survey finding we facilitated four separate focus groups with CECH Partners, Community Partners and Alums, Students and Faculty. Each group expressed their appreciation for the School and their dedication and ideologies for the future. In each session the groups discussed the top three attributes that distinguish the school, their vision for the future and top priorities for the school to focus on in the next 3-5 years.
Resolution
The focus groups provided a diverse and creative environment for constituents to share their ideas. The groups brought to light concepts for the School to define and share their story with the college, university and surrounding community. They discussed the importance of building upon current and potential relationships within the community, creating long-lasting partnerships, fostering knowledge and sharing and spreading cutting-edge best practices throughout the industry. Each group developed forward-thinking draft vision statements and developed top priorities they imagined for the School. The insight provided by the focus groups was compiled and brought back to the School’s leadership team to draw from to create a finalized Vision2020.
Outcome
The School of Human Services was able to create a shared vision that all stakeholders could see themselves in. By including a variety of constituents in the conversation the School was able to craft a vision, mission, objective and 5 top strategic priorities that could relate to all members of the community. Now with a vision to be “Unified in making Real-World Connections” the School can begin implementing their strategic priorities to continue their success as a and embrace their growth.
Learn more about Vision2020
Vision2020: The School of Human Services Vision2020
