April 1, 2008

Data Collection consists of all activities necessary to assemble data and other relevant information that has implications for the future direction of the college.

Activities

•  Conduct situational analysis
•  Conduct external listening sessions
•  Conduct internal listening sessions
•  Conduct environmental scan
•  Review all previous plans and start Strategic Plan
•  Review State Master Plan

Steps

1. Situation Analysis is the crucial step in the Strategic Planning Process where we examine where we are. By utilizing the S and the W of SWOT Analysis, the college will analyze its strengths and its weaknesses. In addition this step should include an analysis of the progress the college has made since the most recent strategic plans.

Utilizing a variety of sources or documents, such as, the Systems Portfolio, Community College Study, preliminary draft of The Plan, or policies, a white paper will be produced describing current status of Belmont Technical College.

2. Listening Sessions are discussions with internal and external stakeholders that attempt to determine the perceptions of stakeholders with respect to how well the college is fulfilling its mission and service to the community. Through structured discussions and feedback, a report is compiled that outlines all of the areas of strengths and weaknesses that are deemed to be significant from the discussions and feedback instruments.

Listening Sessions will be conducted by inviting a wide or cross section of individuals. A facilitator will use a format that first: provides general information, second: create small group work to answer predetermined questions, and finally: develop consensus by meeting as a group to determine a list of common answers.

3. Environmental Scanning is a process whereby data is assembled which pinpoints areas of potential opportunity and threats from the external environment. Through analysis of existing data collection and reporting services, the college compiles information to isolate trends that will have significant impact on the college and the community in the years to come.

Resources for environmental scanning are: Cuyahoga Community College, Denise Redding, Chancellor's Planning Group, Stark State and Terra State planning documents, Dr. Kurtz (documentation from Warren Web), and Dr. Evans. The council will determine what information is needed and how to collect the data.

4. Review Previous Plans requires a careful analysis of strategic plans going back to 1999. A determination will be made as to the inclusion of previous goals and strategies in the current planning process.

Plans that need to be examined are: Monroe County, Community College, and the 1999 Strategic Plan.

The Ad Hoc Task Force needs to identify the best from each study, determine what is still valid, and produce a document that can be utilized in developing goals.

5. Review The Plan involves the review of the informal planning process conducted recently related to the Chancellor's University System of Ohio planning process. The unofficial plan produced through this effort will be considered for inclusion in the strategic planning process.

6. Review State Master Plan involves the review of the higher education master plan to be produced by the chancellor of Higher Education. This plan will set the stage for the University System of Ohio and will require that all institutions of higher education apply the plan to their institutional plans.

Determine a point person who is responsible for monitoring Chancellor's planning process – most likely through State web site.