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Community Development Planning Goal #1
2002-2006

1. What is a visionary goal that your unit set? 

To raise awareness and knowledge of PLNU in the greater San Diego community, to provide greater appreciation for the presence of an excellent liberal arts university, and to improve access to community resources. 

2. What information and data did you use to set this goal? 

Because of it relatively small size, PLNU sits in the shadow of UCSD, SDSU and USD, the three major universities in the San Diego area.  The community is unaware of the academic quality PLNU. One community leader said it this way, “You’re as good as the other three and you belong in the community higher education conversation.”  In order to improve access to community resources (political and financial), expand our donor base and carry out the unique PLNU vision, the University needs to build stronger relationships with influential individuals and organizations in the community.  The University also needs to become more deeply engaged in the larger higher education dialog in the San Diego region so that the community considers the benefit of four universities in San Diego.

3. What actions did you take to try to reach this goal?

  • In late 2002 and early 2003 community leaders were interviewed about the concept and strategic value of a President’s Community Council for PLNU. 
  • The positive response prompted the creation of a strategic planning committee for the creation of a President’s Community Council.  In March, 2003 President Brower issued an invitation to individuals to be involved in the strategic planning for the President’s Community Council.  The strategic planning committee for the PCC included: the university president, the chair of the board of trustees, a strategic planning consultant, VP for Advancement, VP of Financial Affairs, various community leaders, the Director of Development (now VP of Community Development) and individuals from the PLNU educational region
  • Over the course of four months, the strategic planning developed an information survey, a name, a mission statement, a vision statement, a position description and a list of prospective members. (See President’s Community Council)

4. What progress did you make?

  • On October 16, 2003, the President’s Community Council had its first meeting. 
  • The PCC meets with the university president four times per year for two hours and has grown from nine to thirteen members (see PCC Members)
  • The members of the council are committed to the University
  • The PCC has held nine meetings since its inception (see President’s Community Council Meeting Schedule)
  • The first President’s Community Day was held the second Saturday of July in 2004 (see 2004 President’s Community Day).   People from the Point Loma area were invited to the 2004 and 2005 events.  The 2006 community day will expand to invite the entire San Diego community with an expected attendance of 1500 to 2000 people.
  • In December of 2005, the San Diego City Planning Commission completed their five year review of the University’s conditional use permit (CUP).  During the public hearing the commissioners voted unanimously that the university is in full compliance with all 41 conditions in our C.U.P.  During the question and comment segment, three commissioners commended the University for the manner in which PLNU communicates and collaborates with the community.  Several commissioners suggested that PLNU would be an excellent model of community interaction for other institutions of higher learning.  The only commissioner who was part of the previous review was delighted with the dramatic change in community comment and support of the university. 

5. What information and data did you use to evaluate your progress?

  • The members of the President’s Community Council has seen this as a valuable experience as is evidenced by the fact that every member of the committee has renewed their commitment to serve annually.
  • At the 18 month mark (Spring, 2005 after six meetings) a report was compiled (see Summary of the 18 Month Report Card on Mission and Strategic Objectives) of the many ways the PCC had worked to achieve the council’s mission and vision.  Examples of the tangible results of our planning process and implementation include:
    • 700-1000 people attended the President’s Community Days held in July of 2004 and 2005.
    • Increased and improved advocacy for the university in the broader community.  Council members belong to other community service groups and speak often of the ways the university benefits the community.
    • Members of the council and their friends have become involved with providing resources for various academic and support departments in the university. 
    • A community member recently made a significant gift to a capital campaign.  The initial contact was through a member of the President’s Community Council.

Supporting Documents: 

PCC Mission/Vision/Description
PCC Membership
PCC Meeting schedule
2004 Community Day Description
Summary of the 18 Month Progress Report