Plan Development, Evaluation and Reporting

Jacksonville State University follows a yearly evaluation and reporting cycle for all Operational and Assessment plans. Although also yearly, the Strategic Plan evaluation and reporting occurs on a modified cycle. Development of new plans occur when necessary. The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) supports and manages the plan development, evaluation and reporting processes. Strategic and Operational planning informs JSU's budgeting process.

The Comprehensive System of Continuous Improvement details the level and type of plans units provide. 

Additionally, the Guides below are used to support units in their yearly planning, evaluation and reporting. 

Operational Planning Guide 

Assessment Planning Guides

Operational and Assessment Plan Evaluation and Reporting Timeline

Each October 15th

All units submit the following each year:

  • Operational Plan Reports
    • Progress toward goals
    • Updates to current plans
      • New Goals/Objectives
      • Changes to Goals/Objectives
  • Assessment Plan Reports
    • Assessment Data (Results)
    • Address Improvement (Use of Results)
    • Updates to Current Plans
      • New Outcome
      • Change to Method of Measurement
      • Change of Goal

Within the First Year After Unit or Division Change

Plans for new units or units with new leadership

  • New Unit Leadership
  • Creation of a New Unit
  • Unit or Division Reorganization

Strategic Plan Evaluation and Reporting Timeline

Each April 15th

All Responsible Parties Submit Progress to Cabinet

  • Cabinet Reviews
  • Report Provided to Board during July Meeting

Each October 15th

All Responsible Parties Submit Progress to Cabinet

  • Cabinet reviews progress report with the Responsible Parties
  • Determination is made regarding necessary changes to goals, objectives, or strategies.

November

  • Progress report and any proposed changes will be discussed by Cabinet in November
  • Responsible Parties will make the appropriate changes to the plan

December

  • Updated plan will be reviewed by the Cabinet in December

January

  • Plan, Report and Mission will be reviewed by the Board in January

Operational plans, defined in the Continuous Improvement Policy, are developed by academic colleges, student support units, and other units providing university support, and are linked to decision-making at the institution.  The university Organizational Chart is used as a general guide for determining those units responsible for operational planning with a few exceptions.  Exceptions include units with a single person in a role with specific functions and not part of an office or department, a unit contracted for specific services, and in some cases non-academic units within a college, at the discretion of the dean.


Plan Development

The plans focus on continuous improvement of each unit, as well as support of the University mission or strategic plan. Initial development of operational plans usually occurs during the first year that a new unit is created, new unit or division leadership is selected, or reorganization occurs.  Time is given to evaluate and establish the focus and direction of the unit.  After the plan has been developed, the unit begins the planning and reporting process cycle along with other units.

Plan Reporting and Evaluation

Reporting and evaluation occur each October when units report on plan progress and evaluate the focus of the plan. When the leadership of the unit believe it is necessary, new goals may be developed or current goals may be updated, objectives and/or evaluation measures may also be adjusted.  During the evaluation, the unit leader takes into consideration any changes in the higher education landscape or changes in unit or university priorities.  Reports are due to the Office of Institutional OIRE on October 15th each year and are reviewed for compliance and completeness.  Individual unit reports are compiled into one report by division and sent to the division lead to review and provide any feedback they feel is necessary.

Assessment plans are developed by units in the following categories: Educational Programs, Academic and Student Support Services and Administrative Units.

Plan Development

The units develop their plan using the guides provided by OIRE. Initial development of assessment plans usually occurs during the first year that a new unit is created, new unit or division leadership is selected, or reorganization occurs. Time is given to evaluate and establish the focus and direction of the unit. After the plan has been developed, the unit begins the planning and reporting process cycle along with other units.

Plan Reporting and Evaluation

Units collect data for the prior academic year and evaluate the data to address improvement. The reports showing the data, as well as improvement, are due to OIRE on October 15th each year. After all reports are received and reviewed, all reports are combined and sent to the college and or division lead to review and to provide any feedback they feel is necessary.

The strategic plan process consists of a development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation and revision process as outlined in the Strategic Plan Policy.