Strategic Plan 2023-2033

Power the University of the Future

Priority 4

Implement leading-edge administrative and financial systems and practices to power the university of the future

URI will invest in and implement administrative and financial practices that position the University for long-term success and that transform the institution into a high-performing, fiscally sound, and agile university with the physical facilities necessary to achieve its strategic vision.

Universities are places where ideas are tested and launched into the world, where lifelong relationships are formed, where hobbies are honed into passions, and where life-changing innovations and technologies are discovered and developed. To realize our full potential as an incubator of innovation and ideas, and to deliver on our full promise to Rhode Island and the broader global community, we must invest in modern spaces and services that make URI among the very best places to learn, live, work, and achieve.

Central to this vision is improved financial stability and accountability, built upon modern budget models; ambitious fundraising, partnership, and stewardship practices; the rigorous pursuit of state and federal funding; and an increased focus on generating new revenue that can be reinvested in our teaching, research, and service missions.

With enhanced resources, URI will intensify its positive impact as a leader in education, research, and entrepreneurial activity to become a university of and for the future.

Goal 1

Enhance and maintain a physical environment that provides quality opportunities to learn, live, collaborate, recreate, and conduct research.

  • Action 1: Develop and implement housing and residential life plans that support a diverse and engaged community.
  • Action 2: Improve learning, research, and collaboration spaces on all University campuses.
  • Action 3: Create robust, integrated communal spaces throughout our campuses that are separate from established learning and living spaces.

Goal 2

Maximize the University’s physical assets and strategically utilize campuses in a manner that promotes a ‘one university’ philosophy.

  • Action 1: Launch a campus master planning process that addresses the unique strengths and needs of each of URI’s campuses, advances sustainability efforts and environmental responsibility across the University, and positions URI as a world-class destination that contributes positively to its local communities.
  • Action 2: Strengthen capital and facilities maintenance and improvement plans.
  • Action 3: Ensure a transportation system that effectively connects each of the campuses and facilitates transportation within the Kingston Campus.

Goal 3

Secure the necessary resources to sustain and grow the University and implement systems to ensure financial stability and accountability.

  • Action 1: Partner with the State of Rhode Island, as well as federal agencies, to ensure that the University has the financial resources necessary to deliver on its land- and sea-grant missions and fully realize its potential to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.
  • Action 2: Implement a budget model that ensures effective revenue growth and use of resources in staffing, facilities, technology, and other areas.
  • Action 3: Implement financial systems and practices that provide both the stability and flexibility to make strategic investments and pursue emerging opportunities.    

Goal 4

Expand research and new academic programs and services through an increased focus on revenue generation.

  • Action 1: Identify new and enhanced revenue sources, including research partnerships, degree programs, philanthropic opportunities, auxiliary enterprises, and expanded online courses.
  • Action 2: Expand public-private partnerships to drive new University endeavors. 
  • Action 3: Leverage philanthropic efforts of the URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Goal 5

Improve the efficiency of administrative processes and foster a commitment to service excellence.

  • Action 1: Achieve operational excellence across University systems and departments, with an initial focus on key service areas such as purchasing, human resources, and financial planning and budgeting.
  • Action 2: Facilitate a culture of service excellence that is reflected in the development of a unified system for service request and delivery.
  • Action 3: Implement contemporary and cost-effective models for the deployment of financial, human, and digital resources.