Find answers to common questions about the Strategic Planning for the CSU below.
Why was this strategic plan put in place? What was the goal?
The CSU faces rapid changes in student expectations, workforce needs, technology, and public trust in higher education. This plan provides a shared, systemwide direction to proactively respond to those realities. The goal is to position the CSU as California’s most powerful engine for economic mobility, while ensuring affordability, student success, and long-term sustainability.
How is this different from previous strategic plans?
Unlike past plans, this framework is dynamic rather than rigid. It emphasizes adaptability and measurable near-term outcomes while keeping a long-term vision in focus. It was built through extensive consultation with students, faculty, staff, alumni, presidents, trustees, and partners. It also goes beyond campus-level efforts to leverage the scale of 22 universities working together as one system.
How does this best position the CSU for the future?
The plan anticipates—not just reacts to—future challenges. It creates new flexible learning pathways, ensures sustainable affordability, invests in CSU employees, and mobilizes our 4+ million alumni. These steps make CSU more responsive to California’s changing demographics, economic shifts, and workforce demands, while proving that inclusive, high-quality public higher education remains essential.
Why only three years?
The CSU’s vision is long-term, but higher education is evolving quickly. A three-year focus allows the system to stay agile, responsive, and impactful, while delivering near-term results. The plan will be continuously assessed and updated as circumstances change, laying a foundation for ongoing transformation.