Strategic Action Plan

2026–2030

The University of Idaho’s Strategic Action Plan outlines how we will advance student success, experiential learning, research innovation, and operational excellence to serve Idaho and beyond. Grounded in our land-grant mission, this plan reflects a commitment to innovation, partnership, and measurable impact.

Pillar 1: IGNITE STUDENT SUCCESS

Transforming access, experience, and outcomes

Goal 1

Empower every student to thrive through high-impact, personalized, and accessible educational experiences.

Objective A

Deliver a high-value education that ensures strong academic outcomes and post-graduation success for students across all pathways and modalities.

Indicators

Student retention and graduation rates; post-graduation employment and average starting salary; affordability and value rankings.

Objective B

Reimagine the student experience through technology-enhanced advising, academic support, and engagement, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Indicators

First-year retention; participation in high-impact practices; utilization of advising, tutoring, and student support services.

Objective C

Foster a welcoming, inclusive campus experience that prioritizes student well-being, connection, and engagement.

Indicators

Student engagement metrics (NSSE); student satisfaction surveys; participation in co-curricular, cultural, and wellness activities.

Pillar 2: DRIVE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS

Learn by Doing

Goal 2

Ensure 100% of students participate in meaningful experiential learning that prepares them for careers, leadership, and service.

Objective A

Expand undergraduate and graduate research, creative activity, internships, and community-based learning opportunities.

Indicators

Percentage of students completing experiential learning; number of research, internship, and applied learning placements.

Objective B

Strengthen partnerships with employers, communities, and organizations to support career-connected learning experiences.

Indicators

Employer and community partnerships; internship and co-op participation; career placement outcomes.

Objective C

Build the systems, policies, and technologies needed to scale experiential learning across all programs and locations.

Indicators

Centralized tracking of experiential learning participation; equity of access across disciplines and student populations.

Pillar 3: ADAPT THE EDUCATIONAL MODEL

Flexible pathways for today’s learners

Goal 3

Reimagine how, where, and when education is delivered to meet evolving learner and workforce needs.

Objective A

Deliver the Vandal experience to all learners, regardless of modality, location, or life stage.

Indicators

Enrollment across online, hybrid, regional, and place-based programs; student success outcomes by modality.

Objective B

Expand regional impact through targeted investments in regional centers, online programs, and place-based learning.

Indicators

Regional enrollment growth; program sustainability and workforce alignment.

Objective C

Strengthen transfer, continuing, and adult education pathways, including stackable credentials and industry-aligned programs.

Indicators

Transfer student enrollment and success; continuing and professional education participation; credential completion.

Pillar 4: HARNESS RESEARCH INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP

Discovery with impact

Goal 4

Advance research, scholarship, and creative activity that addresses Idaho’s needs and global challenges.

Objective A

Invest strategically in high-impact and emerging research areas with strong potential for societal and economic return.

Indicators

Research expenditures; external funding awards; interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Objective B

Strengthen research infrastructure, graduate education, and postdoctoral support to sustain a world-class research enterprise.

Indicators

Research capacity investments; graduate and postdoctoral participation; research productivity measures.

Objective C

Deepen partnerships with industry, government, and educational institutions to translate research into solutions.

Indicators

Industry-sponsored research; applied research partnerships; economic and workforce impact measures.

Pillar 5: OPTIMIZE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Data-informed, people-centered operations

Goal 5

Build efficient, transparent, and sustainable operations that enhance the student and employee experience.

Objective A

Leverage data, analytics, and technology to improve decision-making and institutional effectiveness.

Indicators

Data accessibility and quality; use of dashboards and analytics in planning and operations.

Objective B

Simplify, standardize, and automate processes to reduce administrative burden and improve service delivery.

Indicators

Process cycle times; employee satisfaction; cost and efficiency measures.

Objective C

Attract, retain, and support outstanding faculty and staff through professional development, engagement, and inclusive practices.

Indicators

Employee retention and satisfaction; professional development participation; workforce diversity measures.

Closing Statement

Through the 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan, the University of Idaho commits to advancing student success, experiential learning, research innovation, and operational excellence. Guided by our mission and values, we will leverage technology, partnerships, and data-driven decision-making to deliver lasting impact for Idaho and the communities we serve.