Key Terms (in order of appearance)
- Strategic Plan: The Strategic Plan Design and purpose is to establish goals and metrics the university is seeking to achieve in the next five years.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs): A set of 17 environmental and humanitarian priorities to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs offer a vision for a greener, more equitable future—and clean energy is a driving force.- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
- Signature Program: One that sets an institution apart because it is:
- Unique or Rarely Offered – Few other colleges or universities offer the same program, concentration, or approach. For example, a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies when most schools only have political science.
- Innovative in Design or Delivery – The program may use interdisciplinary models, experiential learning, technology integration, or community partnerships in ways that are unusual or pioneering.
- Aligned with Institutional Identity – It reflects the mission, values, or strengths of the institution (e.g., a social justice–focused curriculum at a college with a civil rights history).
- Recognized for Excellence – It has external validation (accreditation, national rankings, industry partnerships, high student/faculty achievements).
- High Impact on Students – Distinctive programs are often experiential: they emphasize internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, service learning, or creative practice that prepares students in ways beyond traditional coursework.
- Responsive to Emerging Needs – They address urgent or future-oriented issues (climate change, AI ethics, health disparities, global migration, cultural preservation, etc.).
- A distinctive academic program is signature, innovative, and mission-driven—something that students, faculty, and external partners can point to as uniquely representing the institution’s academic strengths and contributions.
- Benchmark Metrics: To be identified through an Institutional Strategic Plan Benchmark Study conducted by Hanover Research. It will be a two-phase institutional benchmarking initiative supporting the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
- Phase 1 (’26) -- Identifies and evaluates baseline metrics in key categories related to the strategic plan.
- Phase 2 -- Reassesses the strategic plan metrics to mark progress toward achieving 2031 metrics.
- Carnegie Classification: SUNY Old Westbury is designated under the Carnegie Classification as an institution with Higher Access and Medium Earnings. This reflects the university’s commitment to serving a diverse student population inclusive of students from all walks of life, while providing graduates with solid economic outcomes. This classification aligns with the university’s strategic priorities of equity, opportunity, and long-term impact.
- Research College & University (RCU): SUNY Old Westbury is seeking to achieve a research designation under the Carnegie framework as a Research College and University (RCU). This designation applies to institutions that invest over $2.5 million annually in research, offer limited or no doctoral programs, and have historically not been recognized for high research activity. The RCU classification highlights the university’s growing commitment to research and its evolving role in contributing to academic inquiry and innovation.
- SUNY Climate & Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP): A system-wide action plan that provides a comprehensive framework for decarbonizing the SUNY system, which includes 64 campuses, 40% of state-owned buildings, and over 1.3 million students. Guided by the SUNY Sustainability Advisory Council and campus leaders, CSAP aligns with New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and Executive Order 22. It consolidates existing sustainability commitments and outlines strategic actions to advance climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental stewardship across the SUNY system.
Performance Planning to Budget - Strategic Framework
The Performance Planning to Budget (PPB) tactically seeks to achieve the goals and metrics outlined in the strategic plan. It is a democratized process by which everyone has equal opportunity to submit proposals that realize the university’s vision.
Institutional Priorities are identified annually by the Cabinet through a collaborative process that aligns with the Strategic Plan, ensuring that each year's PPB proposals are focused and impactful.
VISIT Performance planning website to Review Current Institutional Priorities