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On May 5, 2026, the University Senate at Eastern Connecticut State University overwhelmingly endorsed a Strategic Compass to guide the institution’s future direction and to prepare for its next comprehensive New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation review in fall 2030.
The Strategic Compass is the result of 16 months of engagement and reflection. The process began with a Listening and Learning Tour and continued through structured discussions, small group meetings, written feedback, and informal conversations across campus and with stakeholders throughout the region.
These insights shaped President Karim Ismaili’s Inaugural Address, which highlighted the institution’s core strengths. The dialogue then continued within Leadership Council, the Student Government Association, Provost’s Council, and University Senate, where participants expanded on these ideas and developed a shared vision for the future—one grounded in Eastern’s mission, values, and its distinctive role as Connecticut’s public liberal arts university.
The Strategic Compass establishes six institutional goals and corresponding areas of focus that provide stability and direction as Eastern moves forward.
In the months ahead, the University will translate these established areas of focus into:
These elements will guide progress and help assess impact over time.
