Planning and Implementation

The Academic Master Plan will be developed through a five-phase process designed to assess our current academic landscape, engage the Pace community in shaping strategic priorities, and launch a bold, future-focused vision for academic excellence. Each phase builds on the last to ensure thoughtful, inclusive planning and clear direction for the years ahead.

The process, launched in Spring 2025, includes the following phases to be completed by the end of the Fall 2025 semester. We are currently in Phase 2 and will be moving to Phase 3 in September.

Phase I: Vision, Mission, Values, and Data Foundation

This phase focuses on grounding the planning process in the university’s mission, vision, and values. It includes validating and analyzing institutional data, identifying areas of academic strength and opportunity, and setting up the steering committee. The goal is to establish a shared understanding of the current academic landscape and define initial areas of focus for academic excellence.

Phase II: Dean and Chair Review and Strategic Framing

Academic leadership—deans and department chairs—review the findings from Phase 1 and begin shaping strategic priorities. This includes identifying immediate, near-term, and long-term opportunities, and developing preliminary models and scenarios to guide planning. This phase sets the stage for broader university-wide engagement.

Phase III: University-wide Engagement and Synthesis

This phase invites robust participation from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders. Through workshops, forums, and collaborative sessions, the university community will refine strategic priorities and contribute to the drafting of the Academic Master Plan. The goal is to ensure broad input and alignment across schools and colleges.

Phase IV: Provost Review and Final Drafting

The Provost’s Office synthesizes input from the university-wide engagement and works with key stakeholders to finalize the draft of the Academic Master Plan. This includes aligning the plan with institutional goals and preparing it for executive review.

Phase V: Presidential and Board Review

The final draft is reviewed by the President and Board of Trustees. Feedback is incorporated, and the plan is approved for launch. Preparations begin for a formal rollout in Spring 2026, setting the academic direction for the 2026–27 academic year and beyond.

Want to get involved or learn more? Email the steering committee.