Strategic planning began at the Summer 2024 Student Affairs Staff Retreat at Agtegra Cooperative, where our team reaffirmed our mission, vision, values, and planning structure. Staff emphasized transparency and broader involvement in initiative development. We adopted a strategic framework from Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL), guiding efforts through planning structure, KPIs, situational analysis, and data collection.
Progress of the Plan
Great strategic plans generate energy, inspire buy-in, and spark the meaningful conversations necessary for growth and improvement. We believe this plan has done just that—and we’re grateful to have you with us on the journey. Each semester, the Student Affairs staff and our partners identify Key Results to work towards. See below for our current projects.
History of the Plan
The first Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) was crafted in the fall of 2020 by the Student Affairs team. With the arrival of former President Schnoor in July of 2021, this plan was further revised and updated to meet the needs of the new University Strategic Priorities and Actions, the addition of Student Accessibility Services to Student Affairs, and the adoption of Opportunity for All by the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Key Performance Indicators
KPIs are the critical (key), quantifiable indicators of progress toward an intended result. KPIs provide a focus for strategic and operational improvement, create an analytical basis for decision-making, and help focus attention on what matters most.
Contributions to Northern's Strategic Planning
The Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–2030) aligns closely with the Strategic Pathways planning efforts utilized at Northern from 2022 through 2025, reinforcing shared goals and initiatives that promote student success. Designed to be dynamic, the plan will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure alignment with future institutional priorities and the next five-year Northern State University Strategic Plan. Grounded in a strong commitment to advancing student success, we are confident this plan will remain relevant and impactful through 2030.
Projects Ready For Investment
As part of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–2030), Northern State University has identified several high-impact initiatives that are ready for donor support. These projects are designed to enhance student engagement, wellness, leadership, and academic success—creating a more vibrant and inclusive campus community. Opportunities include:
- Activating the Lindberg/Seymour Residential Quad with outdoor programming space and commemorative areas honor[1]ing former residence halls.
- Expanding wellness infrastructure by adding locker rooms and showers near the Fitness Center.
- Hiring key staff to lead academic initiatives, new student programs, and parent/family engagement.
- Launching themed living-learning communities in Nursing and Criminology.
- Opening an Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement to foster volunteerism and cross-cultural dialogue.
- Creating a Leadership Minor to cultivate the next generation of campus and community leaders.
- Building a new Campus Recreation Facility and renovating the Student Center to support student life and wellness.
- Establishing a Parents Emergency Fund and endowing a top undergraduate student award to recognize excellence and support students in need.
These initiatives are ready to move forward with the right philanthropic partnerships. We invite you to help shape the future of Northern by investing in these transformative projects.
Annual Report
Student Affairs accomplished 113 Key Results (55%) from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) thanks to the dedication and hard work of Student Affairs Staff and partners across campus. Read the Annual Reports for details.
Questions, Feedback, or Suggestions
Send to: sean.blackburn@northern.edu