Q. You and hundreds of faculty, classified staff, administrators and students worked on developing the Strategic Plan for City College of San Francisco, which was adopted by the Board of Trustees in December 1997. Where are we now in the process?

Answer. The first step is to address the implementation process. Each of the seven Strategies for Change - Quality Service, Continuous Program Improvement, Technology, Facilities, Supportive Working Environment, Resource Development, and Planning and Budgeting System -  will have a lead administrator from the senior administrative staff, along with supporting administrators. The implementation responsibilities will be directed through the College Advisory Council to the appropriate Shared Governance committees. Other constituencies, including AFT 2121 and SEIU 790, will be involved.

The second is to get agreement about the work plan developed for the seven strategic areas this spring. Administrators working with Shared Governance committees will develop these workplans.

Thirdly, the Public Information Office and the Research office will work with the consultant to provide two publications of the plan. The first will be the full plan for distribution to the internal audience, and a brochure for distribution to internal and external constituencies. I expect the full plan to be out by the end of the Spring Semester, and the brochure to be published shortly thereafter.

Q. Has implementation begun?

Anwser. There are 129 action plans contained within the Strategic Plan. Some already have begun to be implemented. Many action plans involve no cost and could be implemented soon. Those with costs associated will require agreement to create priorities for funding over the next three to five years.

Q. What is the key to making the Strategic Plan work?

Answer. The establishment of an integrated  budget and planning system is the linchpin to making the Strategic Plan work. We need to begin constructing that new system this spring. It will involve extensive discussions among the Shared Governance committees of Budget and Planning, Master Planning, and Facilities Resources.

Q. How can CCSF employees keep up with developments relating to the Strategic Plan?

Anwser. I am planning to create a regular column or article for City Currents under the tentative title of  "Plan Watch." It would feature regular updates on the progress and implementation of the Strategic Plan, as well as the Technology Plan, the Non-Credit/ESL & Transitional Studies Plan and CityWorks.

Q. How will the Strategic Plan be updated?

Answer. Every three years CCSF will conduct a mid-course review and update. On a six-year cycle, CCSF will conduct a major update of the plan. This cycle allows strategic planning to coordinate with the accreditation process.

Q. The Transfer Enhancement Plan was adopted by the Board of Trustees at its January 1998 meeting. What will this plan do?

Answer. Since City College of San Francisco is one of the leading transfer institutions in the nation, we need the Transfer Enhancement Plan to enable the college community to develop a systematic and coordinated approach to supporting and serving transfer students. The plan includes major areas, including: College Leadership, Academic Programs, Retention/Student Support Services; and Access and Outreach. To oversee implementation, a permanent committee on transfer will be established within the Shared Governance system.

Q. What’s coming up?

Answer. The Non-Credit and ESL Transitional Studies Plan will be up for review this month and recommendation for adoption this spring to the Board of Trustees.