University Extension Strategic Plan
Vision
Financially Sustainable and Resilient
People-Centric Organization
Visible and Important Part of the University and Community
To transform lives through the power of lifelong learning
Pillars
Exceptional Education
Lifelong Learning
Diversity
UC Gold Standard
Real-World Knowledge
Flexibility and Accessibility
Strategic Goal I
Build financial stability, resiliency, and sustainability
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Increase Revenue Opportunities
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Grow international enrollment J1 visa designation obtained for new internship program Increase open enrollment and custom programming enrollment Grow extramural funding and philanthropic relationships Implemented project funded by CalEDD on Farmworker training
Building Advancement Council with University Advancement support
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Improved Financial Strategy
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Increase financial literacy across the organization Development of financial dashboard with Enrollments/Revenue; presented quarterly to staff Diversify funding sources and revenue streams with a balance of international, domestic, and custom/corporate enrollments, as well as grants and philanthropy FY26 revenue streams: 57/21/6/16 International/Domestic/Custom/Grants and Philanthropy -
Improved Program Development and Marketing Strategy
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Conduct regular program portfolio performance analysis Reestablish Program Development Committee Strengthen existing procedures for program review Formulate and refine new marketing strategy Optimized paid media via local geotargeting, cost-saving course bundling, and a new cross-departmental marketing calendar while advancing strategic communications planning for the upcoming rebranding rollout. Utilize market studies for program development and review decisions Onboarded Gray Decision Intelligence and AI research tools to enhance our competitive analysis and further strengthen data-backed decision-making for future program development. Broaden awareness campaign and improve lead conversations Expanded website traffic by 43.7% and improved lead quality, resulting in a 51.9% increase in digital enrollment actions and a 10% year-over-year increase in unique prospective student leads within Salesforce.
Strategic Goal II
Invest in the success of the people who teach, do research, work, learn, and live at UCR
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Improve student success, experience, and pipelines
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Monitor certificate completion outcomes to improve graduation rates and identify and decrease any existing equity gaps Create career and leadership development opportunities for UCR matriculated students through our programs Obtained J1 designation, one of 5 universities in the nation who offer internships Improve Extension student experience Grow our undergraduate and graduate pathway programs Be an important part of helping UC stop outs finish their credential -
Address instructor equity and professional growth
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Analyze compensation and reduce equity gaps in compensation Increase diversity in instructor hires Enhance opportunities for instructor development -
Address staff flexibility and professional growth
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Assess hybrid/remote work structure Enhance professional development opportunities for staff at all levels in organization Strategically optimize staffing needs to align with growth goals Position UCR Extension to be a leader in DEI DEI Bias and Bigotry course now available to UCR staff, faculty, and students
Strategic Goal III
Expand the visibility and scope of influence of UCR locally, nationally, and globally
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Achieve national classifications and broaden global brand awareness
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Contribute to campus’s pursuit of Carnegie Community Engagement classification Carnegie classification achieved January 2024 Contribute to campus’s pursuit of the APLU Innovation & Economic Prosperity and Global Learning, Research, and Engagement designation IEP designation achieved March 2024 Establish UCR Extension as a leader in providing opportunities to gain professional training and cross-cultural communication skills needed to engage in global opportunities Advocacy and brand awareness Elevated brand awareness through an informative video-first strategy that grew views by 123%, alongside student-focused career articles and public webinars on timely industry shifts. -
Community engagement
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Increase instructor engagement Increase K-12 education community engagement Held joint (with SOE) Community Advisory Board meeting for local K-12 partners and community members. Establish UCR Extension as a research dissemination arm for community Seat UCR Extension staff on community organization committees Position UCR Extension centrally as a leader in workforce development within the local economy Worked with Riverside County Workforce Development Division on training opportunities; awarded ~$500k in contracts from state and local entities for workforce training. -
Partner Engagement
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Establish new and steward existing domestic and global partnerships to increase enrollments Increase Extension’s contributions to the internationalization of UCR Strengthen cross-campus, cross-system, and cross-institution collaboration and advocacy -
Alumni Engagement
INITIATIVE PROGRESS Create personal and professional growth opportunities for alumni Engage alumni in networking, mentoring and philanthropic giving