Strategy and Planning

From start to finish, strategic initiatives at RISD engage the full community in order to identify key priorities and needs. Throughout the process, we use quantitative and qualitative data to monitor progress toward our goals, and to assess our overall performance as an institution. This approach to strategy and planning ensures that we make well-informed decisions about how to use our resources and direct our efforts—thus strengthening RISD to effect meaningful change.

Initiatives like the ones above begin with a robust exploration of each topic and the development of findings and recommendations led by a core committee. We then prioritize and stage the committee’s recommendations with community input and prepare for action through the development of operational and accountability plans and timelines. Plans are strategically implemented, with regular assessments of progress and success.

Carefully-selected core committees deeply engage all campus constituents, leading to findings and recommendations that respond to the initiative's charge. Core committees include some members appointed following self-nomination and others because of their particular subject matter knowledge or position within RISD. Members of our Dean’s Council and the President’s Cabinet provide input to help ensure committees are comprised of a broad range of stakeholders, expertise and personal experience.

In addition to engagement opportunities for RISD community members, we prioritize transparency and regular communication with our community. Communications include progress updates, findings, background research and report drafts, made available through email, in-person presentations and this website. We invite and encourage all RISD stakeholders to learn about and engage in this work.