San Diego State University
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

San Diego State University is a part of the 23 university California State University System. As such SDSU is covered by the CSU System Strategic Plan: Access to Excellence adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2008 and SDSU policies are aligned with with priorities set forth in the CSU plan. The CSU strategic plan priorities encompasses environmental aspects of sustainability including: the wise stewardship of public resources and providing training for the "green economy." The plan calls for the CSU institutions to be key contributors to social and political improvement in the state by asserting their responsibility to educate for democratic engagement, leadership in sustainability, altruism, service, problem-solving, and civility.

As the name for the CSU strategic plan Access to Excellence indicates, increasing access to higher education, especially for historically underrepresented populations is a top priority and one that will enhance the diversity and sustainability of the CSU and the state of California. In addition to access, the plan calls for universities to continue to address the achievement gap and improve graduate rates. By addressing the linked issues of student success and systemic inequalities the a the CSU plan seeks to promote a just educational system and sustainable communities. Through advocacy and coordination across the educational pipeline the CSU will seek to reduce the educational deficits could translate into debilitating economic and social gaps for the State, and increase inequality in access to health care, housing, and other aspects of social mobility.

Ensuring both the economic sustainability of the CSU and providing the training to develop a skilled workforce that will build a more sustainable future and support vibrant communities is truly the cornerstone of the 2008 strategic plan. Specifically, the plan calls for CSU institutions to play a key role in transitioning the growing numbers of low-income, immigrant, and first-generation families into productive roles in society and identifies providing access and quality training to all as a key challenges for the next decade.

Under the leadership of President Elliot Hirshman San Diego State University began a new strategic planning process for the campus in the summer of 2012. This process is on-going and will help SDSU to build on the CSU strategic plan and set specific goals for the campus. The planning process includes university-wide participation from student, faculty, staff, and administration stakeholders. Focus areas include Student Success and Academic Excellence, Community Engagement (inclusive of Campus Climate, and Economic Development), Diversity and Internationalization, all areas which will contribute to a more sustainable university. For more information: http://go.sdsu.edu/strategicplan/