2030 Strategic Plan Pillars
The Four Pillars
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs 2030 Strategic Plan lays out a vision for the future of our university that builds on our core mission: to provide high-quality, accessible education; to advance knowledge; integrate student learning with the spirit of discovery; and to serve our community. These goals form our shared journey—our climb toward the summit of the Success 2030 plan.
In the fall of 2024, through campus-wide strategy sessions, Four Pillars were identified to help guide this work. These pillars connect directly to, and provide focus for, the seven Strategic Plan 2030 priorities—student success, faculty excellence, research, community partnerships, diversity and inclusion, operational effectiveness, and financial sustainability—while remaining grounded in our mission.
Through a focus on sustainable, strategic growth, we are committed to growth that strengthens enrollment, expands in-demand academic programs, and strives for affordability for students. Through community partnerships, curricular innovation, expanded cutting-edge research contributions, and diversified revenue streams, UCCS will attract and graduate more students while building a strong financial foundation.
As the only research university in southern Colorado, UCCS advances knowledge that benefits our region and the world by enhancing our research and creative works missions. Our faculty and students drive discovery, creativity, and innovation, producing research and creative works that strengthen learning and address pressing community challenges.
Through a continuous improvement mindset, and alignment around organizational excellence, we will continually improve how we serve students, faculty, staff, and the community. This means streamlining processes, using accurate data for decision-making, and aligning resources responsibly. By operating efficiently and transparently, we can meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
At UCCS, we are committed to building a culture of care. A thriving university community is built on care, respect, and inclusion. We prioritize professional growth, well-being, and belonging for faculty and staff, which directly enhances the student experience. This commitment includes investing in initiatives that ensure all students, faculty, and staff feel supported in reaching their goals.
The Journey
Our progress toward the Success 2030 summit builds on the strong foundation of UCCS—curiosity, innovation, and community. These strengths, embedded in every UCCS graduate, are the same qualities driving our institution forward.
Through the pillars, we stay aligned with our mission and focused on the Success 2030 priorities. Together, they ensure that every step we take keeps us moving toward the same summit: a stronger UCCS that delivers student success, faculty and staff excellence, and community impact.
Alignment with Strategic Plan 2030 Priorities
| Pillar | Strategic Plan 2030 Priorities Supported | Mission & Vision Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable & Strategic Growth | Retention & Graduation · Faculty Excellence · Partnerships & Outreach · Financial Strength · Deliberate Investment · Distinctive Programming | Expand access, enhance affordability, and align resources to meet student and community needs. |
| Research & Creative Excellence | Research & Creative Excellence · Distinctive Programs · Learning, Engagement & Belonging · Retention & Graduation · Partnerships & Outreach | Advance knowledge and innovation with a focus on student success while serving regional and global communities. |
| Organizational Excellence | Distinctive Programs · Financial Strength · Deliberate Investment · Partnerships & Outreach | Strengthen structures, processes, and resource use to better deliver on our academic mission. |
| Culture of Care | Learning, Engagement & Belonging | Create a supportive, inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. |