PennWest University’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for the next three years, building upon our existing mission, vision and values and establishing shared priorities for the University.
Developed with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community stakeholders, the plan places the student experience at the center of PennWest’s work and focuses on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships and preparing students for meaningful lives and successful careers.
View the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan
PennWest’s Strategic Plan is organized around four Pillars of Student Success that will guide institutional priorities, decision-making and resource allocation:
Make it easier for students to enter PennWest, navigate the University, understand affordability and remain on track toward their educational goals.
Strengthen teaching, learning, advising and academic support while preparing career-ready, adaptable graduates for an evolving workforce.
Create a more consistent and connected PennWest experience through stronger onboarding, student support, engagement and opportunities that foster belonging.
Connect academic programs and the student experience more intentionally to careers, employers, experiential learning, graduate education and other post-graduation goals.
The Strategic Plan establishes PennWest’s direction and priorities for 2026–2029.
Designated leaders and cross-functional teams will be responsible for implementation, with annual action plans identifying specific priorities, timelines, resources and measures of success. Progress will be reviewed regularly, allowing the University to assess results and make adjustments based on performance and available resources.
PennWest’s Strategic Plan builds upon the University’s existing mission, vision and values, which continue to guide our work and implementation of the plan.
Learn about PennWest’s mission, vision and values
PennWest University’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is a three-year roadmap that establishes shared priorities and guides decision-making, implementation and resource alignment across the University. At its core, the plan is focused on strengthening the student experience and improving student outcomes.
Together, these pillars provide a framework for institutional priorities, decision-making and resource allocation.
The plan was developed through a collaborative process involving students, faculty, staff, alumni and other University stakeholders. Focus groups, community feedback opportunities and planning discussions helped identify the student experience as the central focus for PennWest’s next phase of growth and improvement.
No. The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan builds upon PennWest’s existing mission, vision and values. The University’s five values — Learning, Growth, Inclusion, Collaboration and Culture — continue to guide PennWest’s work and implementation of the Strategic Plan.
PennWest plans to create a “No Wrong Door” student navigation and case-resolution model so students can receive timely, accurate and consistent support regardless of where they first ask for help. The model will better coordinate enrollment, financial aid, academic and career advising, and other student progression touchpoints.
PennWest will work to make affordability clearer and more actionable by improving communication about the true cost of attendance, the timing and reliability of financial aid, and available pathways for making a PennWest education attainable. The goal is to provide students and families with greater clarity and predictability throughout the financial journey.
The plan focuses on career-ready learning, effective teaching practices and stronger connections between instruction, advising and student support. PennWest also plans to expand experiential learning, support high-quality instruction across in-person, online and hybrid formats, and help students and faculty use artificial intelligence and emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.
PennWest will strengthen onboarding, advising and early student support while expanding engagement opportunities across campuses and for online students. The plan also calls for a more consistent PennWest student experience, with clearer expectations and stronger connections among students, programs, services and University activities.
Career and workforce readiness will be connected more intentionally throughout the student experience. PennWest plans to strengthen connections among academic programs, advising, employers and alumni; expand hands-on learning opportunities; and help students understand how their education connects to careers, graduate education, professional advancement and other post-graduation goals.
PennWest aims to reduce barriers that may prevent students from participating in internships and other hands-on learning experiences. The goal is to ensure that students have opportunities to gain practical, career-related experience regardless of their financial circumstances.
Designated leaders and cross-functional teams will be assigned responsibility for specific initiatives. Annual action plans will identify priorities, timelines, required resources and measures of success, allowing the University to move from broad strategic priorities to specific actions.
PennWest will regularly review progress toward the plan’s initiatives and adjust its work based on performance and available resources. Specific measurable outcomes for enrollment, retention and the University budget are also established twice each year through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Comprehensive Planning Process.
For each initiative, clear ownership will be assigned to designated leaders and cross-functional teams responsible for implementation.
PennWest’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan guided the University through its early years as an integrated institution.
View the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan
View the 2023–2026 Final Summary Report