The University Planning Council, comprised of deans, faculty members, administrators and students, reviews the strategic plans of each academic and support unit, considers requests for resources, and recommends funding levels. Academic departments and colleges review their program offerings, taking into account student interest, societal and Commonwealth needs, developments in the field of study, and faculty expertise. Strong programs and those central to the mission of the University are recommended for enhancement. Low enrollment programs are identified to determine if they should be continued, merged with other units, or eliminated. Each unit's strategic plan complements and supports the goals of the University-wide strategic plan.
Annual updates are prepared to measure progress and refine goals.
Several years ago, University-level strategic performance indicators were developed. Strategic indicators are tracked regularly to chart progress in meeting Penn State's goals. In addition, each college and administrative unit prepares its own list of strategic performance indicators that relate both to University goals and to unit goals and performance. Budget Reductions and Reallocations Given scarce resources, Penn State has turned to internal budget reductions and reallocations to fund strategic priorities and critical operating needs. Beginning in 1992, a deliberate process of budget recycling and reallocation was incorporated into the strategic planning process.