International Strategic Plan

The Office of International Education and Global Engagement is pleased to announce the launch of our new International Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to expand global engagement and create meaningful opportunities for our students, faculty and the wider campus community. 

The International Strategic Plan is intended to be dynamic and adaptable, guiding our collective efforts over the coming years while allowing room for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. In 2026-2027, the International Office will complete its next self-study, which will require revisions to this strategic plan. Additional ongoing revisions may also be necessary.  

Questions regarding the International Strategic Plan can be sent to . 

  • The Planning Process - Phase II

    Timeline: Jan – May 2025 

     

    Mission: Determine the office's core purpose 

    Complete 

    Values: Identify the office's core beliefs. 

    Complete 

    Competitive Advantages: Identify our unique position 

    Complete 

    Vision: Create an image of what success looks like in 5 years. 

    Complete 

    Long-Term Objectives: Develop 5-year framework of 6 or less objectives 

    Complete 

    Forecast: Develop 5-year financial projections. 

    Complete 

  • The Planning Process - Phase III

    Timeline: May – Sept 2025 

     

    Organizational Goals: Set short-to-mid-term Action Items.  

    Complete 

    KPIs: Select Criteria for Success to track progress. 

    Complete 

    Use SWOT: Review the SWOT analyses to set priorities. 

    Complete  

    Team Member Goals: Cascade unit goals to individuals. 

    Complete 

    Budget: Align existing budget with the plan.

    Complete 

  • The Planning Process - Phase IV

    Timeline: Sept 2025 – Spring 2030 

     

    Rollout: Communicate strategy to whole organization 
    • Announcement in the Daily Brief
    • Website launch
    • Campus Office/Dept 'Tours'

    Leverage Tools: Use a tool to track progress.  
    • Input the plan in Nuventive.

    Set Calendar: Establish schedule for progress reviews 
    • Strategic Plan progress reviews in January and June

    Update Annually: Review end of year, plan next year. 
    • Strategic Plan annual review every June

goals and action plan

The strategic plan is structured around four key functional units: Comprehensive Internationalization, International Enrollment Management, International Student and Scholar Services, and Study Abroad. For each area, the plan provides relevant context, highlighting existing strengths and current challenges. This ensures that each unit’s goals and proposed action items are grounded in a clear understanding of their unique operational landscape and strategic potential.  

  • COMPREHENSIVE INTERNATIONALIZATION

    Internationalization is the conscious effort to integrate and infuse international, intercultural, and global dimensions into the philosophy of postsecondary education. Successful internationalization efforts involve active and responsible engagement of the academic community in partnerships and global networks (NAFSA, Association of International Educators). This unit covers office operations and faculty and staff engagement.  

    Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strengthen and institutionalize global engagement by supporting internationally active faculty, integrating global perspectives into academic life, and enhancing administrative systems that enable sustained international collaboration. 

    Action Plan:

    • Catalog existing faculty international expertise. 
    • Develop and implement a “Global Connections” resource to assist faculty in incorporating international scholars into class lectures and other events via remote technology or in person.
    • Establish institutional structures and systems that extend and support global initiatives in the KU community.
  • INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

    This unit develops and oversees recruitment, admissions, and yield strategies for international students (undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree exchange). This unit focuses on the International Student Journey phases: Recruitment, Admissions, Pre-Arrival, and Arrival.

    Strategic Plan Goal 2: By Year 5 (Fall 2029), international enrollment aims to reach 2% of the total student population.  

    Action Plan:

    • Strengthen direct recruitment strategies in primary and secondary markets.
    • Establish agent/consultant recruitment partnerships in primary and secondary markets.
    • Establish strategic international partnerships with institutions and organizations.
  • INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES

    This unit provides a range of support services necessary for a successful academic program in the United States, including an International Orientation as well as workshops, trainings, and events focused on retention and immigration compliance.  This unit provides holistic support services and guidance during key periods of the International Student Journey: Arrival, Beginning Studies, Ongoing Support, Final Transition, and Post-Completion. Staff also work closely with academic departments to facilitate the hosting of international scholars.

    Strategic Goal #3: Strengthen the international student support ecosystem to increase engagement with international students and alumni and support retention.  

    Action Plan:

    • Establish early identification and intervention strategies for at-risk international students.
    • Strengthen international students’ sense of community and belonging.
    • Improve coordination and alignment of support services for international students.

  • STUDY ABROAD 

    This unit provides comprehensive study abroad advising to ensure students’ understanding of KU financial and academic policies, and ensure transparency of study abroad prices, risks, and outcomes. This unit manages a portfolio of study abroad programs and works closely with Kutztown faculty and staff to develop short-term KU-Led programs. This unit provides holistic support services and guidance during key periods of the Study Abroad Student Journey: Advising, Application, Pre-Departure, While Abroad, and Re-Entry. 

    Strategic Plan Goal #4: By Year 5 (2029 - 2030), total study abroad/away participation aims to reach 150 total participants.  

    Action Plan:

    • Integrate curriculum and global learning outcomes into study abroad programming. 
    • Provide an affordable portfolio of programs and study abroad scholarships.