Planning Process

The University Strategic Framework planning process was designed to define the priorities that will guide Notre Dame for the next decade. The process, shared in more detail below, will continue through the fall of 2023.

Planning Process Phases

• Pre Spring 2021 Refine Process and Initial Goal Discussions
• 1 Summer 2021 - Fall 2021 Identify Themes and Update Goals
• 2 Spring 2022 - Fall 2022 Identify Theme Priorities and Formulate Recommendations
• 3 Spring 2023 Draft and Vet Strategic Framework
• 4 Fall 2023 Formally Adopt Framework and Identify Emergent Themes that Require Additional Consultation
• 5 Fall 2023 Externally Communicate Framework

Phase One—Identify Major Strategic Themes and Update Goals 

The development of the University Strategic Framework began with the identification of seven University Themes. These themes emerged from the nearly 107 faculty proposals developed as part of the Moment to See, Courage to Act initiative, as well as through discussions with the deans, members of the President’s Leadership Council, and the Executive Officers. Each theme aligns with Notre Dame’s mission and reflects emerging and enduring questions and challenges facing our communities, our nation, the Church, and the world. These themes also reflect the University’s best thinking about where Notre Dame can offer truly distinctive contributions, leveraging current strengths and identifying new opportunities to amplify impact through interdisciplinary collaboration and investment.

These themes are also closely tied to the University’s goals. After thoughtful reflection and dialogue, the Executive Officers, deans, and other University leaders updated Notre Dame’s current University goals to make graduate education its own separate goal, due to its centrality at a great research university. More information on the University’s goals can be found here.

Phase Two—Identify Theme Priorities and Formulate Recommendations

In spring 2022, seven Theme Advisory Committees were formed, each chaired by distinguished members of the faculty and composed of faculty, administrative leaders, and staff. These advisory committees were asked to:

• assess the current state of the University’s efforts related to each theme,
• identify a small number of priority areas where Notre Dame can make distinctive contributions and have a significant impact over the next decade, and
• develop recommendations regarding the initiatives, resources, and structures needed to advance each theme.

Inviting input from the larger University community as appropriate during their deliberations, the Theme Advisory Committees submitted reports outlining their recommendations in December 2022.  

Following the work of the faculty-led Theme Advisory Committees, two staff-led committees — on stewardship and external engagement — assessed how to broaden the reach of Notre Dame and strengthen our commitment to continuous improvement and stewardship of our resources.   

Phase Three—Draft and Vet Strategic Framework

Following the conclusion of the work of the Theme Advisory Committees, the task of formulating and vetting the University’s next Strategic Framework began in spring 2023 and concluded in late summer 2023.  

Phase Four—Adopt Strategic Framework and Identify Emergent Themes that Require Additional Consultation 

In August 2023, the University Strategic Framework document was shared with the Board of Trustees for formal endorsement and communicated broadly to the Notre Dame community. Additionally, the University may reconstitute a subset of the University Strategic Framework committees and invite additional members for further consultation as emergent themes are identified.

Phase Five—Externally Communicate Framework

Once formulated, vetted, and adopted, the Strategic Framework will be shared broadly with stakeholders during the fall of 2023.