Strategic Plan 2023
In the 1950s, Peter Gordon Gould, an Aleut from Unga, AK, advocated for a unique liberal arts university to serve Alaska and Alaska Natives. Today we reaffirm our founding mission with the launch of Alaska Pacific University’s 2023 Strategic Plan. The initiatives outlined in the Plan will enable us to enhance the student experience, address critical state and global issues, collaborate with Tribal and other community partners, and strengthen and sustain the university.
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Vision
Honoring Alaska’s Indigenous heritage, exemplifying excellence, and preparing paths
Mission
APU provides a world-class, hands-on, culturally responsive educational experience in collaboration with our students, communities, and Tribal partners
Values
- Wisdom
- Respect
- Reciprocity
- Relevance
- Responsibility
Core Themes
Learning, Growth, & Innovation
Strategic Objective
Cultivate APU as a multicultural community where people love to learn and work
Goals
- Develop and use relevant curriculum and culturally responsive delivery methods
- Improve and expand experience-enhancing services for students
- Deliver and support employee health, education and development opportunities
- Develop a culture of continuous assessment that sparks innovation and improvement
Community Engagement & Impact
Strategic Objective
In service to our peoples and communities, assist our students to achieve the best expressions of their potential and collaborate with partners to provide the highest level of collective impact
Goals
- Provide academic programs and educational growth opportunities that meet Alaska’s critical needs
- Practice applied, action and community-based research that answers relevant questions
- Engage Alaska Native Elders and other knowledge and culture bearers
- Develop as a cultural center that allows APU to serve as a gathering place
- Facilitate and create experiential learning opportunities for our students
Stewardship
Strategic Objective
Act responsibly in service to our university and those it serves
Goals
- Produce financial fitness, embodying sustainability
- Practice data-driven decision making
- Build a reputation that reflects our Vision, Mission and Values
Creating APU’s Strategic Plan 2023
In the 1950s, Peter Gordon Gould, an Aleut from Unga, AK, advocated for a unique liberal arts university to serve Alaska and Alaska Natives. Today we reaffirm our founding mission with the launch of Alaska Pacific University’s 2023 Strategic Plan. The initiatives outlined in the Plan will enable us to enhance the student experience, address critical state and global issues, collaborate with Tribal and other community partners, and strengthen and sustain the university.
This Strategic Plan represents the aspirations and collective wisdom of diverse university stakeholders. Over the past year, we have engaged members of the community in a broad conversation about the future of the university. The Strategic Planning Committee of over 40 faculty, students, staff and trustees met throughout the year to identify institutional priorities and envision a culturally vibrant and responsive learning environment. Hundreds of people contributed to the Plan through community visioning sessions, surveys, and other outreach. Through this inclusive process, key ideas emerged as priorities.
This Strategic Plan provides focus and direction for the continued development of the university in the areas of
Learning, Growth, and Innovation Community Engagement and Impact Stewardship
Our success relies on the continued investment of members of the community in the Plan, and any needed modifications, in order to make our aspirations real. Core themes and initiatives will guide faculty and staff in aligning decision making, resource allocation, and program development to the Strategic Plan, and we will assess our progress and impact. As the university continues to grow and thrive, we will engage the campus community in refining these priorities.
As we move toward becoming an Alaska-Native serving and Tribal university, we will draw on the strong foundation of liberal arts and sciences envisioned by our founders, listen to the wisdom of Elders and other culture bearers, collaborate with our community partners, and rely on the continued efforts and commitment of members of the APU community. I want to thank the many constituents who collaborated on the development of this Plan. Together, we will make APU a stronger institution and enhance the path of educational opportunity for current and future generations of students.
Robert Onders, MD, JD, MPA
President
June 2018
