SUNY Oswego has long been an integral part of Central New York's educational landscape, deeply committed to serving the needs of our students and our region. As we navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in higher education, we remain steadfast in our dedication to our local community while preparing our students for success in a changing world.

A Strategic Plan Rooted in Mission and Broader Initiatives

Our strategic plan, Transforming Lives, Igniting Possibilities, reflects this dual commitment, providing a thoughtful roadmap that honors our enduring mission and values while embracing the broader imperatives set forth by the SUNY system and the work of the Postsecondary Value Commission and its report Ensuring Equitable Postsecondary Value: An Action Agenda.

The Postsecondary Value report outlines policies and practices that institutional leaders, federal policymakers, and state policymakers should implement to address systemic barriers that prevent Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and AAPI students, students from low-income backgrounds, and women from reaping equitable returns from postsecondary education and achieving economic and social mobility.

SUNY Oswego as a National Model for Equity and Social Mobility

Given the historical work done by SUNY Oswego to address equity and provide for social mobility, we were one of five universities selected by AASCU’s Strategic Planning Collaborative and will serve as a model for this work for other universities around the country. 

Our Commitment to Growth, Connection, and Thriving Communities

At the heart of our plan lies our long-standing commitment to lighting the path, empowerment, and the common good. This commitment is reflected in our three strategic drivers: Grow, Connect, and Thrive. These drivers move us towards a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful institution. 

Grow

Our growth strategy moves us forward in Vision 4040, which aims to award 4,000 degrees and credentials annually by 2040. Beyond the numbers, this ambitious goal is about expanding our reach and impact, enabling more students to achieve social mobility and, in turn, transform their communities. By diversifying our enrollment pipelines and ensuring accessibility and affordability, we are directly addressing the Postsecondary Value Commission's call to equalize access and remove affordability barriers. 

In order to meet the enrollment parts of our “Grow” driver, we need to ensure we are providing access and support in multiple spaces. This includes working to enhance educational opportunities within our region, where we know there is work to do to increase the number of graduates with four-year degrees. In addition, we need to expand our presence and activity at our Syracuse Campus by providing additional graduate education and market-driven microcredentials to this growing population area.

Connect

Our plan's "Connect" driver resonates deeply and aligns with SUNY's pillar of economic development and upward mobility. By positioning SUNY Oswego as a "Hometown University" with a regional and global outlook, and a valuable educational and cultural resource, we are strengthening the relationship between our institution and the community to enhance our students' learning experiences and contribute to our region's economic and social vitality. These connections include, as noted earlier, a reinvigorated Syracuse Campus offering microcredentials, and market-driven undergraduate and graduate programs. We also showcase our connections with the region with our newly formed Great Lakes Institute to enhance academic, research, and public connections to Lake Ontario. In addition, our connections to the region, along with Micron, has led to the recently funded SUNY Oswego Center for STEM Excellence to support our local school districts in developing well-prepared students.

Thrive

Our "thrive" driver reinforces our commitment to success. By advancing well-being, equity, and belongingness for all members of our community, we are creating an environment where everyone can flourish. This holistic approach to education recognizes that true student success extends beyond academic achievement to encompass personal growth and societal contribution. Our continuing emphasis on hands-on, active, and experiential learning in our strategic plan honors our founder Edward Austin Sheldon, and directly supports SUNY's pillar of research and scholarship. By providing our students with real-world experiences and opportunities to engage in meaningful research, we are preparing them not just for careers, but for leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Aligning with Postsecondary Value Commission’s Recommendations

Our strategic plan also addresses the Postsecondary Value Commission's call to eliminate completion gaps and strengthen post-college outcomes. By developing new, realigned, and modernized academic programs that serve the needs of our students and the region, we are ensuring that a SUNY Oswego education translates into tangible value in the workforce and society.

Higher Education as a Catalyst for Equity and Change

In crafting this strategic plan, we recognize that higher education, in supporting students to achieve their educational goals, confronts and disrupts broader societal inequities. By focusing on decreasing equity gaps in persistence and graduation rates, and by fostering a diverse and inclusive community, we are taking concrete steps towards this goal.

A Living Plan for Transformation and Progress

Transforming Lives, Igniting Possibilities is a living document that encompasses our commitment to our students, community, and society as a public comprehensive university. It is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education and our dedication to being an instrument of positive change. As we move forward, guided by this plan, we reaffirm our promise to light the path to wisdom, empowering every member of our community to pursue a meaningful life as a productive, responsible member of society. Together, we will grow, connect, and thrive, igniting possibilities and transforming lives for generations to come.