Strategic Focusing Initiative

The Board of Trustees is in the midst of a Strategic Focusing Initiative designed to provide strategic direction to the Connecticut State University System for the coming years consistent with the individual strategic plans being implemented at each of the CSUS universities.

The Initiative has included facilitated discussions among Board members that led to the development, and formal Board approval, of vision, core values and mission statements. Those elements were approved by vote of the Board of Trustees in June 2010.

Currently, a series of working groups have been appointed, as recommended by the system Chancellor and university Presidents, consisting of individuals representing each of the universities and the System Office to develop and offer to the Board an overview of potential goals and priorities that follow through on the Planning Imperatives determined earlier this year by vote of the Board of Trustees.

The Vision, Core Values, and Mission statements are outlined in accompanying sections of this site, as is a listing of the membership of the working groups for each of the Planning Imperatives.


Vision

CSUS embraces a vision where the System, through its four student-centered universities – Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, contributes significantly to the achievement of our state in further developing as a place that is economically strong, culturally rich, environmentally healthy, and in which all citizens have the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling quality of life.

The System will enable the people of Connecticut to succeed by providing the most accessible, affordable, and highest value education possible.

Core Values

The Board of Trustees developed a set of guiding principles for the Strategic Focusing document. The following values were found by the Board to be essential to the System:
  • Excellence
    We pursue the highest standards in teaching, academic achievement and organizational performance.
  • Integrity
    We build positive relationships through honesty, respect and compassion, which enhance the self- esteem, safety, and well being of our students, faculty, and staff.
  • Equity
    We foster an environment that serves all students and aspires to eliminate achievement gaps.
  • Diversity
    We promote opportunities to expand our worldview through exposure, and greater understanding of all peoples, cultures, and lifestyles
  • Citizenship
    We work as a team to ensure the educational success of our students, and have a responsibility to create in Connecticut an educated citizenry to support responsible roles in a democratic society and provide a globally competitive workforce to drive the State’s economy.
  • Transparency
    We encourage a process of operation that engages in information sharing and meaningful debate on important public policy issues in order to make informed decisions.
  • Sustainability
    We are committed to move toward environmental sustainability; to develop a culture of protecting the environment; and, to utilize approaches that is less dependent on energy.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Connecticut by:
  • Providing through its four universities and their four distinct missions a comprehensive range of high quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that are relevant to today’s changing world;
  • Providing knowledge-based programs and services that are responsive to the needs of the citizens of Connecticut and the state’s economy;
  • Engaging in creative activities and scholarship that expand the boundaries of current knowledge;
  • Serving as an economic engine for the State of Connecticut;
  • Stimulating intellectual awareness of the citizenry; and,
  • Contributing to the cultural wellbeing and civic growth of Connecticut.
The Connecticut State University System fulfills its mission through the effective and efficient management of its resources and the focused missions and activities of each of its universities.

Planning Imperatives

The Board of Trustees, in 2010, adopted the following Planning Imperatives:

Priority 1
Operating CSUS in Light of Severe Budget Reductions
Priority 2
Identifying New Efficiencies and Practicing Exemplary Stewardship
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Priority 3
Cost/energy reductions
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Priority 4
Closing the Achievement Gap within CSUS and the State
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Priority 5
Creating Knowledge, Promoting Economic Development, and Advancing the Quality of Life of Connecticut Citizens
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Priority 6
Addressing the State’s Critical Workforce Needs
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