Strategic Plan

Goals

I. Foster student success.

Strategies:

  1. Engage students in applied teaching and learning experiences and experiential opportunities.
  2. Provide students with individual attention and mentoring.
  3. Work with campus partners to provide support for student success including excellent academic advisement, mental health resources, and financial assistance to students in need.
  4. Strategically grow enrollment through a focus on student recruitment and retention.
  5. Connect with industry and community partners to provide civic engagement and experiential and career opportunities for students and to keep curricula in line with leading science and technology practices.
  6. Invest in facilities to provide outstanding learning spaces and experiences.

II. Support an inclusive culture of belonging in the college.

Strategies:

  1. Continue to diversify and promote equity and inclusion.
  2. Implement strategies that bridge gaps impacting underserved faculty, staff, and students.
  3. Expand professional development opportunities dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging.
  4. Foster a collegial and collaborative culture.
  5. Emphasize global perspectives and enhance international engagement opportunities.

III. Bolster faculty and staff success.

Strategies:

  1. Attract, support, and retain a diverse and talented faculty and staff.
  2. Invest in leadership development opportunities for faculty and staff.
  3. Pursue strategies to increase the visibility and recognition of CAST scholarship, external funding, and interdisciplinary research.
  4. Promote excellence in teaching, research, and service through mentoring, recognition, and professional development.
  5. Collaborate with campus partners to strengthen initiatives that enhance the well-being of faculty and staff.

IV. Advance engagement with external stakeholders.

Strategies:

  1. Enhance communication and collaboration with internal and external constituencies.
  2. Engage with CAST alumni and friends to increase support for programs and projects tied to strategic priorities.
  3. Cultivate relationships with industry and community partners to support applied opportunities for students, staff, and faculty.
  4. Pursue and support applied research initiatives with external partners.
  5. Elevate outreach and marketing initiatives with an emphasis on student recruitment.
  6. Develop international partnership opportunities to support CAST programs and personnel.

CAST Strategic Plan 2025-2030

College of Applied Science and Technology

Campus Box 5000 Normal, IL 61790

Phone: (309) 438-7602

Email: CAST_info@IllinoisState.edu

CAST.IllinoisState.edu