ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines key aspects of a process-oriented strategic planning model. It discusses several experts from outside the University of Wisconsin System (UW) to present papers outlining major trends and issues at a one to two day conference to which additional people from throughout the state are invited. The strategic planning itself may spur decisions that alter university policy and behavior of its faculty, staff, and students. Strategic planning as practiced in the UW asks representatives of various campuses of the system, from state agencies, the public sector, and citizens groups to focus on a topical area. The agriculture and natural resource experience illustrates the concept of topical strategic planning as we have developed it in Wisconsin. The System had not engaged in long range planning in agriculture and natural resources since 1974. The planning group’s report is submitted to the academic vice president of the UW.
