2025–2028 Strategic Plan

Empowering Learners. Advancing Our Region.

Glen Oaks Community College’s Strategic Plan outlines how we will expand opportunity, strengthen student success, and support economic growth across southern Michigan and northern Indiana.

Our plan reflects our mission, vision, and core values while setting clear priorities for the next three years.

Download the Full Strategic Plan (PDF)

Dr. Newton Discusses Strategic Planning

Built on Our Mission and Values

The Glen Oaks Community College Strategic Plan is grounded in our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Every goal and initiative in this plan supports academic excellence, student-centered decision-making, and regional growth across southern Michigan and northern Indiana.

Our strategic priorities reflect our long-standing commitment to collaboration, innovation, integrity, transparency, and student success.

Learn more about our Mission, Vision & Values.

Our Six Strategic Pillars

Each pillar focuses on measurable goals that strengthen student outcomes and community impact.

1. Enrollment

Expanding access and opportunity

We are strengthening recruitment, retention, and outreach to serve more learners across our region.

Key priorities include:

  • Expanding dual enrollment, adult learner, and traditional student enrollment
  • Growing summer course offerings
  • Increasing access to educational goal completion
  • Launching a strategic enrollment management plan
  • Promoting niche and high-demand programs regionally and nationally
  • Reducing barriers for adult learners, including textbook costs and emergency aid
  • Exploring expanded athletics and student housing options

Our goal is balanced, sustainable growth that reflects the needs of local communities and workforce demand.

2. Student Success

Improving completion, transfer, and career outcomes

Student success drives every decision at Glen Oaks.

We are committed to:

  • Improving online instruction quality
  • Embedding experiential and work-based learning across programs
  • Expanding seamless transfer pathways and guaranteed admissions agreements
  • Strengthening guided pathways implementation
  • Aligning course schedules with student needs
  • Increasing student engagement through clubs and organizations
  • Pursuing program-specific accreditations to strengthen academic quality

We measure success through completion rates, transfer placement, job placement, student satisfaction, and academic excellence.

3. Workforce Development

Preparing a skilled regional workforce

Glen Oaks supports local industries by delivering relevant, industry-aligned education and training.

Our workforce development strategy includes:

  • Conducting comprehensive regional workforce needs assessments
  • Expanding short-term credentials and licensure programs
  • Increasing work-based learning opportunities
  • Strengthening employer partnerships
  • Growing adult learner enrollment
  • Enhancing job placement systems for graduates

This work supports economic mobility for students and economic vitality for employers across Michigan and Indiana.

4. Resource Development

Strengthening financial, physical, and technological infrastructure

To serve students well, we must operate efficiently and sustainably.

Key initiatives include:

  • Diversifying revenue streams and growing foundation support
  • Modernizing campus technology and IT systems
  • Implementing procurement improvements
  • Strengthening staffing, compensation, and HR systems
  • Enhancing campus safety resources
  • Completing southside campus renovations
  • Developing a comprehensive facilities master plan

Strong operations ensure long-term stability and continued growth.

5. Community Awareness and Engagement

Building stronger partnerships

We are expanding our regional presence and deepening partnerships that support students and families.

Goals include:

  • Launching refreshed branding and marketing initiatives
  • Completing implementation of the new Glen Oaks website
  • Expanding community partnership inventories
  • Hiring leadership to support student engagement
  • Hosting events that showcase academic programs and services

Community awareness supports enrollment, partnerships, and long-term impact.

6. Vibrant Workplace Culture

Investing in people and leadership

A strong college culture leads to stronger student outcomes.

We are committed to:

  • Expanding professional development for all employees
  • Launching innovation grant programs
  • Encouraging cross-department collaboration
  • Investing in employee engagement and wellness
  • Integrating continuous improvement into department work plans

A thriving workplace culture supports innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.

Implementation and Accountability

The Strategic Plan is a living framework.

Next Steps:

  • Board review and approval
  • Refinement of measurable targets and timelines
  • Annual review and environmental analysis updates
  • Continuous improvement based on performance data

We remain committed to transparency and measurable outcomes.

Why This Matters to Students and Families

For high school students, this plan expands dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and direct-to-career programs.

For parents, it strengthens affordability, safety, academic quality, and job placement outcomes.

For adult learners, it increases flexibility, workforce credentials, and support services that remove barriers to completion.

Our Strategic Plan ensures Glen Oaks remains accessible, affordable, and aligned with real career opportunities in our region.

Questions or Feedback

For comments about the plan or implementation teams, please contact the Office of the President.
info@glenoaks.edu