Contact Strategic Planning
Goals & Objectives
Goals for our students
As NAU has grown and evolved, the following graphic chart illustrates changes in the university’s goals over time
Goal 1: Student Success and Access Accordion Closed
Educate students to serve, lead, and achieve
Objectives:
1. Increase access to higher education, particularly for Arizona students
2. Enhance student learning through high-quality, student-centered educational experiences
3. Increase number of students who are retained and graduate
4. Increase enrollment, retention, and graduation of diverse students
Goal 2: Research and Discovery Accordion Closed
Expand the boundaries of knowledge and creativity
Objectives:
1. Increase nationally and internationally recognized research, scholarship, and creative endeavors
2. Expand research-based training and learning opportunities for undergraduate students
3. Expand and support innovative, cutting-edge research opportunities for graduate students
4. Increase the application of research findings, discoveries, and expertise for the direct benefit of local, regional, national, and international communities
Goal 3: Commitment to Native Americans Accordion Closed
Become the nation’s leading university serving Native Americans
Objectives:
1. Increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of Native American/Indigenous students while providing an unparalleled combination of academic and cultural support
2. Recruit and retain more Native American/Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators
3. Collaborate with Native/Indigenous nations to develop projects and programs for the direct benefit of Native American and Indigenous communities
4. Promote appreciation and understanding of Native American/Indigenous people, cultures, and nations within the university and in the broader community
5. Strengthen the Native American Cultural Center’s role as a primary point of cultural and educational engagement
Goal 4: Engagement Accordion Closed
Strengthen university, community, regional, national, and global ties for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources
Objectives:
1. Cultivate a diverse environment where all people are included, valued, and respected
2. Build support for university initiatives with both the public and private sectors
3. Strengthen the university’s contributions to the economic vitality of Arizona communities and beyond
4. Integrate community engagement into academic curriculum and university policies and practices
Goal 5: Stewardship Accordion Closed
Ensure long-term viability of the university
Objectives:
1. Increase the financial stability and strength of the university
2. Reduce the impact of the university through environmentally sustainable practices
3. Engage in continuous improvement practices
4. Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high-quality, and motivated workforce
5. Ensure safety is an integral part of the learning and working environment
6. Maintain a physical environment that inspires learning and attracts and retains students, faculty, and staff