Timeline
Designed to move from vision to action, the Strategic Compass is implemented through unit-level planning, strategic projects, and measurable indicators. This ensures goals are translated into real work and outcomes, and are fully integrated into how WVU plans, invests, and delivers impact every day. The Strategic Compass will continue to evolve as planning, measurement, and implementation advance across WVU.
Phase 1:
Phase 1 consisted of setting high-level strategic priorities and goals for the University.
Spring 2025
Jump-started the planning process
August 2025
Held a planning retreat with the Board of Governors to review the draft planning framework and Strategic Compass and to gather input on potential strategic indicators
August to October 2025
Conducted 17 presentations across colleges and units to share the draft Strategic Compass, gathering feedback from faculty, staff, and students, and other key stakeholders through an online survey that received over 800 responses
November 2025
Revised Strategic Compass language in response to feedback from a campus-wide survey. Updates were shared and discussed at a University-wide staff meeting on December 12, 2025, and with the Faculty Senate on January 12, 2026, reinforcing WVU’s commitment to transparency, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Phase 2:
In phase 2, we’re turning ideas into action by identifying strategic actions that will position the University to be successful today and into the future.
November 2025 to February 2026
Institutional Measurement Plan
Convened pillar work groups to identify and refine strategic indicators that define what success looks like over time. This work shifted the focus from activities to outcomes, supported consistent measurement, and strengthened alignment, transparency, and accountability across the University.
Institutional Implementation Plan
In parallel, pillar work groups identified key institutional actions needed to advance strategic goals and indicators. These actions clarified priorities, aligned resources, and focused coordinated efforts on areas with the greatest potential impact.
February to April 2026
College and Unit Measurement Plans
Colleges and units developed measurement plans aligned with Strategic Compass goals and institutional indicators, with flexibility to include unit-specific measures that reflect their unique missions and contexts.
College and Unit Implementation Plans
Colleges and units identified focused actions that advance shared goals and reinforce institutional indicators, translating strategic direction into coordinated momentum across the University.
March to May 2026
Grassroots Seed Funding
Launched a grassroots seed funding program to support early-stage ideas and initiatives aligned with the Strategic Compass. This effort encourages innovation, enables thoughtful experimentation, and empowers students, faculty, and staff to contribute directly to shared goals. Additional details will be shared as the program develops.
1,300 Comments Received
The campus community provided thoughtful feedback on the draft framework through a survey conducted in October 2025.