The WCU
Action Plan
"These are exciting times at West Chester University. Through our Action Plan effort, I invite the entire University community to think differently about how we work together, support our students, and engage with one another. This is not some strategic planning process that will end with a report that gathers dust. Instead, it's a flexible, community-driven call to action focused on doing better, thinking bigger, and fostering moments. I hope you'll join me on this journey."
Dr. Laurie Bernotsky,
President
Short Video Summary of the Plan
In this short video, you'll learn more about the three drivers that shape our action plan — Be Better, Think Bigger, and Foster Moments — and how you can contribute.
You can watch the full video of my remarks from the Fall Address, where I shared the genesis of this effort. It's only about 30 minutes, but it gives you a more complete picture of where this is going. You can also download the full version of the PowerPoint that provides more detail.
WCU Action Plan: Three Drivers
Be Better
- Being better doesn’t have to mean “more” work, rather it’s about embracing doing something differently
- Focus on intentional change
- Reflect on personal habits and dynamics with others
Think Bigger
- Solve issues at their root rather than repeatedly putting out the same fires (upstream thinking)
- Consider the ripple effects of decisions across units (downstream thinking)
- This will help us reduce burnout and increase long-term impact
Foster Moments
- Prioritize meaningful, personal experiences for students and others we serve
- Continue to create the conditions for life-changing moments to be part of every student’s experience
The Action Plan in 3D
After months of listening to you and learning what is on your hearts and minds, I was inspired to visualize this plan using a 3D model of a pyramid as a metaphor for how our priorities and actions connect. It's unconventional, but that's exactly what we need right now. This new model is:
- Built on WCU's existing strengths
- Collaborative and adaptable
- Designed to evolve over time
What You Can Do Right Now
PHASE ONE: GET PERSONAL
We'll do this work in a few phases. First, I'll challenge you to look inward and ask if there is something you can do personally to "get to awesome." I'm doing this part too, so I know it isn't always easy. But it's worth it.
This isn't about your job description or improving on tasks, it's about you — as a person. Maybe you want to manage your time better, reduce stress, or communicate more clearly. No matter what it is, take some time to reflect and record your thoughts using this "Get Personal" worksheet .
You won't be required to give it to anyone — this is for YOU — though you are welcome to share it with your colleagues, your friends, or family.
This is a starting point on our journey and will help prepare you for engaging, intentional conversations with your colleagues in the next phase.
Short Video Summary of Phase II
PHASE TWO: GET TOGETHER
Our Collective Call to Action
The WCU Action Plan process challenges us to BE BETTER | THINK BIGGER | FOSTER MOMENTS. In phase one, we explored how to do that at a personal level. In phase two, we'll take it to a professional level. There is something you, your unit, or a team from across units can do to help the University BE BETTER | THINK BIGGER | FOSTER MOMENTS.
DON'T OVERTHINK IT
Is there a process that needs to be redesigned, or a practice that needs to be updated, or a policy that needs to be changed? Below are some prompts to get you thinking, but feel free to go in any direction you like. What matters most is that we take one step closer to "awesome." Getting there isn't about perfection — it's about progress.
BE BETTER: WCU is already doing great things, and our people already work really hard. BE BETTER doesn't have to mean doing more, just doing things differently. Focus on mindfulness and habits. Is there something we should stop doing, or start doing? Is there something we need more of, or less of? What can we do differently in our office, department, college, or division?
THINK BIGGER: This is about upstream and downstream thinking. Is there a way to address a challenge at its root cause rather than solving the same problem repeatedly (upstream thinking)? Consider and be mindful of the downstream impact of actions and decisions on other stakeholders. This is downstream thinking.
FOSTER MOMENTS: What can we do to help someone feel more welcome, more heard, or more valued? This is about creating an environment where people experience something special. How do we want people to feel when they've spent time at WCU? How do we maintain the conditions in which moments can happen? How can we recognize when they occur? How do we celebrate and encourage them?
Use the webform below to share your idea for the action plan. If you need to take a break before hitting SUBMIT, be sure to SAVE your progress. We are asking all goals/projects be submitted by MARCH 31, 2026.
Timeline and Milestones
A Vision of "Awesome"
We'll know we've reached "awesome" when:
- Every student is thriving and engaged in experiential learning
- Social, financial, and environmental sustainability is built into everyday decisions
- West Chester is known nationwide, and recognized by name
- WCU is a trusted community partner and resource