Strategic Plan

I am so very pleased to introduce the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan of the Indiana University School of Social Work. We began our strategic planning process in fall 2018, during my first academic year as dean. Through conversations, brainstorming, surveys, and ongoing dialogue across multiple groups of stakeholders, we spent the entire academic year honing in on understanding and defining who we desire to be as a School of Social Work.

Over the ensuing months, our Strategic Planning Group analyzed the information gathered, drafted mission and vision statements, and proposed a detailed structure for our plan. We were almost there…and then came the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice…national and global public health crises abruptly shifting our attention to more urgent matters. Nevertheless, we ultimately persevered and completed our written plan, while forging ahead with some of our planned actions.

Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the members of our School community who diligently worked together to bring about our strategic plan. I especially want to thank members of the Strategic Planning Group. Their exceptional level of commitment to our process and development of this final plan extended beyond anything I could have imagined.

The School’s experience this past year underscored just how important it is for us to be nimble, ready to respond to the ever-changing needs of our environment. Hence, we created a living plan which allows us to remain present for today and ready to pivot tomorrow, yet stay focused on core values and strategic priorities relevant to our future regardless of circumstance.

We invite you to join us on our journey over the next few years as we focus on four central inward and outward facing pillars for progress. Our efforts aim to Ensure a Diverse and Inclusive Environment, Enhance Teaching and Learning, Strengthen School Infrastructure, and Increase Community and Global Engagement. We are energized and inspired by all of you who believe in the legacy and future of the Indiana University School of Social Work. Thank you for your continued support.