Facilitating a strategy retreat
CHE Consult supported the University of Rostock in the planning and implementation of a ‘strategy retreat’ with the Rectorate, members of the Academic Senate and the heads of the faculties and institutions. The aim of the retreat was to jointly develop and finalise the university’s strategy.
The success of the project was based on intensive preparation. In three coordination meetings, including an in-depth discussion with all members of the rectorate, the initial situation was analysed, objectives and contents were defined and potential challenges were identified. On this basis, the CHE Consult team developed a precise agenda for the retreat and defined the methodological approach for the planned workshops.
During the on-site retreat, the CHE Consult consultants moderated the retreat kick-off, the workshops and the subsequent summary of the results in plenary. In the workshops on ‘Overarching Strategy’, ‘Research’, ‘Study and Teaching’, ‘Transfer’ and ‘Academic Support’, the participants discussed and developed key aspects of the university’s strategy. The facilitators supported them in modifying the existing strategy paper and contributing valuable new ideas.
As a result of the detailed preparation and structured facilitation, the retreat participants were able to produce a revised strategy paper, which is now nearing completion and will significantly shape the future direction of the university.