ONE DIVISION FORWARD TOGETHER
Our path to a campus where every student thrives
DSA STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT INVENTORY PROCESS
PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT INVENTORY TOOL
This tool is designed to assist DSA staff in inventorying and cataloging programs and initiatives to align our work with our strategic commitment priorities. Through this alignment, we aim to ensure our practices are grounded in our shared values and mission.
WHY THIS MATTERS AND WHY WE ARE COLLECTING THESE DATA
Celebrate and amplify your work: Highlight the remarkable contributions your department is making towards the DSA Strategic Plan. By sharing, we can create awareness and foster pride in the work happening across the division.
Spot gaps, create efficiencies, and identify collaboration opportunities: By mapping our initiatives, we can begin to identify areas where our division may have gaps or overlap and opportunities for collaboration, allowing us to address these efficiently to strengthen our impact.
Inform future recommendations: The insights from this inventory will guide Year 2 recommendations, codeveloped by the DSA Strategic Plan Implementation Team in partnership with Council & SALT.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF DSA STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT INVENTORY TOOL
STEP 1: FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE DSA STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT INVENTORY TOOL (SMARTSHEET DASHBOARD)
Refer to the DSA SP Alignment Inventory Google Doc for details on the information included in each column of the Tool.
Open Smartsheet Dashboard to access the DSA SP Alignment Inventory Landing Page.
Note: each department has a dedicated spreadsheet-type workbook. Follow the link to your department’s workbook. Familiarize yourself with the Tool.
STEP 2: DECIDE WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES YOUR DEPARTMENT WILL INCLUDE
Here are some prompts to get you started.
• Showcase your impact: Think about the programs and initiatives that make a real difference or that you’re most proud of. Share those that have left a positive mark on your team, department, or the broader community.
• Highlight resource-intensive efforts: Identify the programs and initiatives that require significant investment of your department’s budget or personnel and fall within your area of decision-making. These are the ones that represent a substantial commitment and effort.
• Align with the big picture: List examples of programs that directly support the goals of the DSA strategic plan. Consider how your work advances the mission and helps achieve the broader objectives.
• Emphasize department-exclusive programs: Focus on the unique initiatives to your department or unit. These specialized programs set your team apart and define your contribution within the organization.
Still not sure where to begin?
• Website and annual report review: Take a look at your department’s website and recent Annual Reports. These resources often highlight key programs and initiatives, especially those aligned with the DSA Strategic Plan.
• For the first phase, be as intentional as possible: We aim to capture a detailed picture of your department’s work, so please include up to 20 entries, depending on the size of your team. This will ensure we represent the full scope of your department’s efforts.
• Celebrate your team’s impact: Share this opportunity with your staff, inviting them to highlight their work. Their insights can help capture the full breadth and depth of your department’s contributions.
STEP 3: GET STARTED
Open the Smartsheet Dashboard and input your programs and initiatives!