PennWest University unveils strategic plan
PennWest University unveiled a strategic plan Monday that it describes as a three-year roadmap to “build opportunities, advance student success and strengthen the communities the university serves.”
One of the goals outlined in the plan is integrating career and workforce readiness for students, including connecting academic programs more clearly to career opportunities.
James Fisher, the interim president of the university, said in a news release, “This plan gives PennWest a clear and focused path forward. It reflects the voices of our university community and establishes shared priorities that will help us serve students more effectively, respond to workforce needs and create lasting value across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.”
PennWest University was created in 2022, consolidating the campuses of California, Clairton and Edinboro universities following years of declining enrollment at all three campuses.
The strategic plan was developed with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and others. It is structured around what it calls four pillars of student success:
– Recruitment, retention and progression;
– Student experience in the classroom;
– Student experience outside the classroom;
– Connection to post-graduation purpose.
The plan also says the university will “expand pathways” for adult, transfer and “workforce-aligned” students and make affordability information clearer.
The complete PennWest strategic plan is available at pennwest.edu/strategic-plan.