ABSTRACT

This chapter defines the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement and then explore the role that mission and vision statements have come to play in the planning process. It explores the nuances of developing a mission statement first by examining their use in the corporate and non-profit sector and then by examining how they have been modified in their application in higher education. The chapter presents a strategy for developing effective mission and vision statements for online education, regardless of the specific circumstances on a given campus. It examines a set of existing university strategic plans and suggests ways in which online education can be justified within the context of the plan. The chapter details several specific processes that can be followed to develop a mission statement and a vision statement for online education. Finally, it proposes strategies to assess the strengths and weaknesses or departmental and program mission statements.