Timeline for Strategic Planning

Pre-planning: Positioning research & rankings analysis  

Jul. – Aug. 2025
Findings from university-wide studies inform the Board's definition of national preeminence and sharpen opportunity statements.

Phase I: Introduction and brainstorming 

Feb. – May 2026
President and working groups introduce the campus community to the five planning areas and opportunity statements via open campus sessions. Cabinet leaders engage their communities and stakeholders to empower their participation.

Phase II: Synthesis & alignment   

Jun. – Sept. 2026
Input submitted to working groups using a structured format. Working groups contextualize and synthesize the proposals that offer the most promise in advancing each area.

Phase III: Playback 

Oct. – Dec. 2026
Working groups share their synthesis with campus, providing opportunities for continued input, iteration, and refinement.

Phase IV: Plan development  

Jan. – Mar. 2027
The working group’s reports and campus feedback guide the Cabinet to synthesize key themes and actions that will advance W&M’s goals in each of the five areas of planning.