Strategic planning forms the foundation of our future vision, connecting our ambitions with practical goals. It ensures that each decision we make plays a role in the development and vibrancy of our academic community. Through recognizing opportunities, anticipating challenges, and leveraging our strengths, we establish the groundwork for a college environment that is robust and flourishing.
Our mission, vision, and values fuel the strategies we develop. These strategies allow us to relentlessly pursue our goals and uphold our commitment to racial equity, vibrant communities, and thriving economies.
We are committed to creating a clear and intentional roadmap for a future filled with impact and transformation.
Current Strategic Plan
Creating a Stronger Future 2025
Launched in September 2023 after a year-long collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, Creating a Stronger Future 2025 (CSF2025) is a three-year plan that leverages our century-long dedication to delivering quality education to our community. Positioned to adapt to the dynamic demands of today’s workforce, this strategic plan is imbued with our commitment to anti-racism and trauma-informed practices. CSF2025 outlines four strategic directions to chart the College’s course to 2025 and beyond. To explore our progress, strategies, and the impactful changes we aspire to make, delve into these key three resources.
Annual Planning
Annual Planning enables each department to set objectives, outline actionable tasks, and demonstrate how they support College goals. It justifies budget requests and aligns allocations with strategic priorities.
Budget Planning
The annual operating budget at Saint Paul College is a monetary plan aligned with Board policies and system procedures. The Finance Department aims to support the College’s mission through a budget process that secures long-term financial health.
The College will make planning, budgeting, and decisions based on a commitment to the College’s budget planning principles:
Principle 1: The annual budget is informed by the annual priorities established by the College. For the budget process to be strategic, decisions related to resource allocation must be grounded in the annual planning process and support the identified college priorities.
Principle 2: Budget development utilizes and prioritizes decision made from a data-informed process. The budget must be balanced. The planning of the annual budget must be done in a way that anticipated expenditures do not exceed anticipated revenue. Annual evaluation of spending patterns including a critical review of past spending decisions and the impact on strategic priorities is considered.
Principle 3: All final budget decisions are based on a fair and equitable evaluation of both cost and strategic prioritization. Once budgets are approved, departments are expected to operate within the annual budget, unless unforeseen circumstances arise (e.g., state appropriations reductions, enrollment changes, unfunded mandates etc.) occur during the year. If costs arise that were unplanned and/or unexpected, departments are expected to evaluate how the costs could be absorbed with current, available resources prior to requesting additional funds.
Principle 4: Maintain transparent, timely, factual, and honest communication throughout the college community. The College will provide timely information and updates about the budget and planning process including Shared Governance Committees, college-wide town hall discussions and department/division feedback.
Principle 5: Focus on long-term strategic outcomes. Budget and planning requires a multi-year perspective on attaining strategic objectives, priorities and goals.
Principle 6: Minimize the impact cost to students whenever possible. The budget is planned to limit the additional costs to students that may occur due to new initiatives and services/programs. Use of one-time funds to off-set these expenses are made whenever possible.
Please see the following budget resources for more information:
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Finance Division
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Budget
If you have questions or comments about the Saint Paul College Budget process, please send an email to Scott Wilson.