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The George Washington University
Strategic Framework
August 2025
As a community, we have reached our next important milestone in developing GW’s Strategic Framework. After months of thoughtful collaboration across our university, we are pleased to announce that the GW Board of Trustees has approved the final framework, which we will unveil this fall.
Thank you to the hundreds of community members who have participated in this process. Your involvement in community conversations, creation of idea briefs, and other thoughtful feedback have been invaluable in shaping the final document. The community’s engagement reflects our shared passion and commitment and is one of several reasons that GW ranks among the nation’s most distinguished universities.
GW's new strategic framework embodies our community’s shared vision and priorities, and we look forward to joining you as OneGW—aligned in support of our mission and resolved to achieve our highest aspirations.
About the Process
GW’s strategic framework represents the culmination of the work of many individuals across the university, starting in spring 2024, and incorporates substantial input from community conversations, idea submissions, and written feedback.
GW’s Strategic Framework:
How It Differs from a Traditional Plan
Unlike traditional strategic plans that detail specific initiatives with predetermined implementation steps, our strategic framework is a living document that articulates broad, visionary priorities to guide our decision-making over the next five to seven years. This approach allows for innovation and adaptability as new opportunities arise—a critical advantage as we continue to establish ourselves as a preeminent institution in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Timeline
- February 2024
Announcement of strategic framework development - Early Spring 2024
Advance work: Future-focused conversations and special engagement sessions - Spring - Summer 2024
Strategic theme development
Board of Trustees endorses themes - Fall 2024
Research and Work Phase
Innovation Committee subgroups meet, review research and generate work product
Conversation Phase
Community conversations and special engagement sessions
Innovation Committee completes draft report for Steering Committee - Spring - Summer 2025
Deliverable Phase
Steering Committee distills the Innovation Committee’s draft report into final report of recommendations for review by the President and Provost
Strategic Framework presented to and approved by Board of Trustees
Implementation begins - Fall 2025
Planned launch of Strategic Framework