Reflection on Planning Retreat

November 2024

November is a great time to give thanks and gather our thoughts for the year ahead. I want to take a moment to reflect on the recent Fall 2024 Planning Retreat and how it aligns with the work we are doing together. At the Retreat, nine key areas embedded in our 2025-2030 strategic directions (Facilitating Enduring Student Success and Cultivating Institutional Excellence) were discussed in depth. Among them, three areas of focus were voted as top priorities, including (1) Clear Internal Processes, (2) Continuous, Fiscally Responsible and Data-Informed Strategic Planning, and (3) A Healthy, Value-Driven Institutional Culture. These priorities resonate deeply with DII’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative learning community that thrives on collaboration and lifelong learning:

Clear Internal Processes
Streamlining our processes not only enhances the support we offer but also ensures we are aligned with NPC’s dedication to consistency, transparency, quality, and accountability. One ongoing effort that DII has been engaged in is to clarify and streamline workflows by developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and handbooks across our departments - Early College, Instructional Technology & Curriculum Support (ITCS), Library Services, Office of Accessibility and Inclusion (OAI), and the Testing Center. Whether it is improving instructional and curriculum support in ITCS or refining Testing Center operations, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating accessible, learner-centered experiences across the college.

Continuous, Fiscally Responsible and Data-Informed Strategic Planning
As the FY26 budget proposal due dates are quickly approaching, this priority is a good reminder of how we, as a rural community college serving unique demographics, should allocate our resources responsibly and make decisions wisely. As we use data to inform our decisions in areas like early college engagement, accessibility, library resources, and testing services, we help lay the groundwork for students to persist and thrive. Initiatives such as expanding Open Educational Resources (OER) will help reduce costs for students and demonstrate our dedication to both student success and responsible budgeting. By aligning with NPC’s vision and investing in high-impact areas, we ensure we are building a foundation that supports our community in lasting ways.

A Healthy, Value-Driven Institutional Culture
The month of November symbolizes warmth, connection, and gratitude in our lives and in our work. A healthy culture within NPC is essential to everything we do. Working as a cross-functional team, we all play key roles in ensuring every student feels welcomed and valued. Through every bit of kindness and positivity, we are fostering that supportive environment. By embedding our values of creativity, access and respect into each interaction, we build strong partnerships and a culture that enriches NPC as a whole.

As the year winds down, it is a perfect time to reflect and reset. What’s working well for us? Where can we stretch further? In the next few months, I would encourage each department within DII to engage in the 2025-2030 strategic planning conversations. I am truly grateful to work with our dedicated team and look forward to continuing to collaborate, innovate, and support every student’s journey.

Wei Ma, PhD
Dean of Instructional Innovation
Read previous Messages from the Dean