Green River College Equity-Centered Strategic Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive declines in undergraduate enrollment at colleges—half a million fewer students. That could cause a ripple effect of fewer skilled workers supporting families, businesses and the economy. Most impacted by that disturbing trend were community colleges and people of color and low income.

To navigate these challenges, Green River College embarked on a forward-thinking planning process to define a vision, mission, and set of values to help College build and work in a more equitable community. MIG designed and helped the College conduct a process of self-examination, external analysis and community engagement to develop an Equity-Centered Strategic Plan.

A 34-member Steering Committee representing all campus constituencies worked with MIG to guide the process, which took place virtually. It began with examining the current state of the College and how it got there, as well as what opportunities and/or threats lay ahead. In addition to quantitative research, qualitative data came through stakeholder interviews, focus groups and an online survey. The resulting Environmental Scan became the basis for discussing and constructing a Strategic Plan Framework for embedding equity and anti-racism throughout the College system—from instruction, administration and operations to hiring, professional development and recruitment.

Central to the process were two collegewide charrettes, attended by hundreds of college constituents. The Administrative Draft Plan was presented in a Town Hall and an online comment forum for input and feedback from the College community. Based on that feedback, the Final Draft Plan was completed and presented to the College Board of Trustees for approval and adoption.

Green River’s Equity-Centered Strategic Plan will be the guiding document for the College’s work over the next five years to become an inclusive, equitable institution that provides opportunities for education and advancement for all who seek them.