Aug. 28, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland Director of Athletics Dr. Deborah A. Yow announced the release of the department's five-year strategic plan Thursday afternoon.

In September of 2008, The University of Maryland Department of Intercollegiate Athletics embarked on a comprehensive and inclusive strategic planning process. The objective was to ensure departmental cohesion with the University's 10-year Strategic Plan, Transforming Maryland Athletics: Higher Expectations, while also outlining the goals and strategies specific to Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) for the next five years, as well as guiding the department's decision making and prioritization during this period. The importance and value of the strategic planning process was emphasized by the concurrent economic and financial challenges of the nation, state, university, and ICA.

"Our goals are challenging, yet achievable. We will find a way or make a way to advance Terrapin Athletics, even during these challenging times, working together as a strong and cohesive department," said Yow.

The primary aim of the ICA strategic planning process was to focus on the core evaluative areas of: 1) Branding, Partnerships and Outreach; 2) Competitive Excellence; 3) Compliance Education and Culture; 4) Facility Enhancement; 5) Financial Stability; and 6) Student-Athlete Well-Being, Academic Performance, and Personal Development. Six strategic planning committees comprised of internal and external constituents were formed to study and set the ICA five-year goals and strategies for each of the core areas. Representation on the committees included student-athletes, coaches, ICA administrators, donors, and ticket holders; members of the University Athletics Council; and university students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The resulting document produced by this process is Transforming Maryland Athletics: 2009-2014. The ICA goals and strategies identified in the Strategic Plan are assigned to the appropriate coaches and administrative units for implementation and completion. The department will conduct regular assessments of progress towards each goal and update the plan, as might be warranted by changes in our working environment. All ICA personnel are expected to work collaboratively, while basing their respective decision-making, prioritization and goal-setting towards meeting the departmental goals identified in Transforming Maryland Athletics: 2009-2014.

While the strategic plan provides clear strategies and timelines for achieving these goals, it does not include many implementation details. As with the University's strategic plan, these details must be developed in a thoughtful, fiscally-responsible and carefully planned implementation phase by the units responsible for the achievement of each goal.

Click here to read the Strategic Plan in detail.