NCA Strategic Plan Task Force

NCA’s Strategic Plan Task Force is excited to announce that work on our new strategic plan has begun. We are taking a ground-up approach to this process. From the outset, NCA’s leadership has been committed to engaging our membership to understand the future direction of our association.

The task force includes five members from a range of colleges and universities, reflecting the diversity of academic ranks and employment security among our members. NCA staff, who will ultimately carry out the strategic plan on a daily basis, are also part of the task force, along with three members of the executive committee.

We hope you will raise your voice during this process of renewing our plan for NCA’s future, helping us clarify our vision and mission, and shape goals that reflect the needs of our members.

Contact the Task Force Current Strategic Plan

Primary Aim of the Task Force

The task force guides creation of the next strategic plan by gathering broad member feedback through listening sessions and dialogue, consulting leadership, and refining drafts for Executive Committee endorsement and Legislative Assembly approval in November of the current plan’s fifth year.

Letter from NCA’s President

Scope of Work

Task force leaders will partner with the NCA executive director to hire a planning facilitator, routinely update the Executive Committee and Legislative Assembly on emerging feedback from listening sessions and focus groups, and present the final strategic plan for committee endorsement and assembly approval.

Expected Outcomes

An updated or revised strategic plan for Executive Committee endorsement and Legislative Assembly approval.

A final task force report for Executive Committee review that includes summary of actions with recommendations for future strategic plan task forces, lessons learned and a documented process for developing NCA’s strategic plan.

How You Can Get Involved

Take the All-Member Survey

The task force invites all members to help shape NCA’s future by completing an anonymous 10-minute survey. Your insights will greatly inform the association’s future direction.

As a token of appreciation for your time, at the end of the survey you have the option to enter a $50 raffle.

Take Survey by Oct. 16

Join the Oct. 15 Virtual Listening Session

Share your experiences, perspectives, and ideas as we work together to shape the future of NCA through a member-driven strategic planning process.

During this interactive session, you will discuss strengths and improvements, opportunities for growth, changes in the discipline and membership value.

Attend a Listening Session at NCA 2026

The task force will host in-person listening sessions during the 2026 NCA Convention in New Orleans.

Nov. 20, 4 p.m. Listening Session Nov. 21, 1 p.m. Listening Session

Timeline of Work

2026

May
Strategic Plan Task Force Kickoff Meeting
May to December
Monthly Meetings as Needed
October
Virtual Listening Session and All-Member Survey
November
Convention Listening Sessions

2027

January to March
Planned Focus Groups and Listening Sessions
April to May
Strategic Plan Draft presented to Executive Committee and Standing Committees for Feedback
June to July
Collect Feedback and Revise
August
Strategic Plan Endorsed by the Executive Committee
September to October
Presentation Preparation for Legislative Assembly Meeting
November
Strategic Plan Approved by Legislative Assembly