Strategic Plan Dashboard
This online dashboard provides a summary of CSU's progress toward completing the objectives of Cleveland State United as well as information related to new programs and initiatives.
Current Phases of Our Priorities and Objectives
| Priority | Objective | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Advance Academic Offerings, Delivery, and Scholarship to Foster Success | A1. Expand experiential and work-based learning 
| A2. Integrate undergraduate, graduate, exploratory and continuing education for lifelong learning 
| A3. Improve the student experience and enhance our culture of student success
|
| B. Reimagine Community Partnerships to Increase Opportunities | B1. Enhance relationships with community partners to expand opportunities for prospective and current students/learners
| B2. Build a corporate/ community partnership structure that leverages and coordinates all that CSU offers
| B3. Serve as a convenor and thought-partner to help address Cleveland’s most pressing social and economic challenges
|
| C. Restructure Operational and Financial Model to Enable our Mission-Focused Work | C1. Initiate a comprehensive multi-year stakeholder informed technology digital transformation
| C2. Develop and implement a sustainable financial model and process
| C3. Cultivate a campus wide culture of transformation and continuous improvement
|
"Where Everyone Thrives"
To become a university "where everyone thrives," CSU is focusing on these key performance indicators in addition to the many metrics associated with the objectives of Cleveland State United. The success of these areas will boost the success of Cleveland State United's three priorities.
Timeline to Progress
From now through 2030, CSU will pursue the three priorities of Cleveland State United. This progress will include developing and implementing new initiatives and improving key performance indicators.
The timeline below is CSU's anticipated plan for addressing the priority and their associated objectives in a timely, organized approach. This timeline will be updated as planning and implementation develops.
Spring 2025
Milestones
- Cleveland State United — officially launched in January 2025 as CSU's strategic plan through 2030
- Integrated degrees — available to students for the first time
- Wellness programming — new wellness programming offered to CSU faculty and staff members
Summer 2025
Milestones
- Summer strategic planning retreat — held with the Senior Leadership Team to further develop goals related to the three strategic priorities
- FY26 university budget — presented to the CSU Board of Trustees
Fall 2025
In Progress
- Launch of the new Inquiry Core Curriculum, available to new and returning CSU students
- Launch of the Unified Advising Model
Planned
- Continued development of the Technology Transformation Plan
SPRING 2026
Initiatives in Progress
- Launch of CSU Compass, the University's technology transformation plan
- Launch of the Bachelor of General Studies, a new degree offering from the College of Arts and Sciences to support adults returning to college to complete a degree
FALL 2026
Anticipated Initiatives
- Host TEDxCleveland State University as a community platform for thought leadership and creativity
Priority A: Advance Academic Offerings, Delivery, and Scholarship to Foster Success
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary: University leaders are working in partnership with faculty and staff to institutionalize work-based learning in academic programs. In addition, CSU is exploring a model for the oversight and coordination of experiential and work-based learning for students with community and industry partners.
Next Steps: Establish a hub for student experiential and work-based learning at CSU.
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary:
BA in General Studies
The College of Arts and Sciences is now offering a new undergraduate degree in General Studies. This degree program largely appeals to former students with some college credit but no degree, professionals with hands-on work experience, those with military experience, and anyone with broad academic interests.
Inquiry Core Curriculum
The Fall 2025 semester was the inaugural semester for CSU's new Inquiry Core, which aims to develop inquiring minds, spark curiosity and build professional presence. The Inquiry Core also includes faculty-designed pathways, in which students can gain a deeper understanding of a chosen topic or issue.
Integrated Degrees
CSU now offers integrated degree programs for undergraduate students. These programs are specially designed to bring together two academic programs into one undergraduate degree. CSU is the only public university in the Northeast Ohio region to offer these integrated degrees.
The Spring 2025 semester was the first semester at CSU in which students could pursue these new integrated degree programs, and CSU's integrated offerings have garnered national media attention ("Are Two Disciplines Better Than One? The Push for Integrated Majors," Inside Higher Ed).
Next Steps:
- Further develop the new Bachelor of General Studies to support adults returning to college to complete a degree.
Latest Update: September 2025
Summary:
Unified Academic Coaching
In the Fall 2025 semester, CSU is implementing a Unified Academic Coaching model to provide undergraduate students with an expansive and continuous level of support. This new model aligns with CSU's goals to advance student success and improve retention and graduation rates.
Artificial Intelligence
CSU is continuing to examine the opportunities that AI presents in higher education. As students explore the uses of AI as a tool for learning, new programs like the AI Teaching & Learning Lab are educating students on how to use this technology in a thoughtful, responsible, and purposeful manner.
Next Steps:
- Fully implement Unified Academic Coaching model for all undergraduate students.
- Maximize CSU's application of AI to enhance student academic support and instructional opportunities.
Priority B: Reimagine Community Partnerships to Increase Opportunities
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary: CSU has continued to work with community and industry partners to expand opportunities for students.
The University's developing partnership with Ideastream Public Media includes internship and other hands-on experiences for students in broadcasting, journalism, business operations, marketing and more.
The Washkewicz College of Engineering has also established the Project Delivery Institute @ CSU "to bridge the industry academic gap and transfer knowledge via well-established collaborative platforms." The PDI held an industry workshop in February to discuss the structure of this group and intended purpose.
Next Steps: Further develop and explore strategic partnerships.
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary: University leaders are advancing their work with Greater Cleveland organizations in order to address the talent and knowledge needs in the Northeast Ohio region.
Next Steps: Further develop collaborative goals.
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary: CSU will host a TEDxCleveland State University event in the fall of 2026, which will welcome speakers from CSU and Northeast Ohio to share their stories during an in-person event and on the TEDx website. The theme, Untangling Wonder, invites the community to step into the unknown with curiosity, courage and imagination. It reflects CSU’s commitment to push the boundaries of knowledge, discovery, innovation and creativity.
Next Steps: Host TEDxCleveland State University as a community event.
Priority C: Restructure Operational and Financial Model to Enable our Mission-focused Work
Latest Update: October 2025
Summary: Cleveland State University continues to advance its ERP modernization initiative, a cornerstone of our commitment to enhance administrative efficiency, improve data-driven decision-making, and create more time for meaningful student engagement.
Building on the groundwork previously completed, we are moving from planning into action. Over the past year, the CSU community has helped shape this effort through interviews, workshops, and surveys, ensuring that our modernization reflects the needs and priorities of our students, faculty, and staff.
Key Achievements to Date:
- Selection of the ERP software vendor and system integration partner through a competitive and thorough evaluation process.
- Peer conversations and engagement with institutions of similar size and complexity to validate CSU’s approach.
- Initiation of resourcing activities to position CSU for a successful implementation.
Next Steps:
- Formalize agreements with the selected vendor and system integration partner.
- Launch project mobilization activities, including governance, change management, and communications planning.
- Establish implementation readiness milestones to ensure a smooth transition into the execution phase.
- Continue engaging the CSU community through updates, workshops, and opportunities for input as we move closer to a “go-live” date.
Latest Update: February 2026
Summary: The Senior Leadership Team presented a balanced Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the CSU Board of Trustees at their scheduled meeting in May 2025.
Latest Update: September 2025
Summary: The Department of Human Resources has begun a non-union performance management system, which incorporates the values as stated in Cleveland State United. Key enhancements included in this system are a streamlined, user-friendly review process; newly introduced organizational competencies; and clearer communication and performance check-ins throughout the year.
Next Steps: Fully implement performance management system.
