Strategic Plan, Elevate '28, Objectives and Goals

Office of Communications

Objective 1: Increase participation and satisfaction levels of students at our commencement ceremonies.

Goal 1: Increase student satisfaction with commencement webpages by 2% by the conclusion of the plan.
Goal 2: Increase student satisfaction with student line-up by 2% by the conclusion of the plan.
Goal 3: Increase student satisfaction with the regalia experience by 2% by the conclusion of the plan.
Goal 4: Increase spring commencement registrations relative to invited students to 30% by plan end.

Objective 1: Strengthen the visibility of Empire State University's commitment to an inclusive welcoming environment for all.

Goal 1: Ensure that at least 40% of the stories featured on SUNY Empire News each year through 2028 reflect and promote opportunities for accessibility and belonging for all members of our community.

Objective 2: Increase visibility of academic excellence at the university.

Goal 1: Increase media mentions showcasing the university's faculty and academic expertise by 20% each year through 2028.

Objective 1: Improve employee engagement with internal communication.

Goal 1: Improve open rates of the university’s weekly e-newsletter by 10% annually through the end of the plan.
Goal 2: Improve click-through rates of the university’s weekly e-newsletter by 5% annually through the end of the plan.

Objective 2: Improve internal communication to ensure that internal audiences have consistent access to information.

Goal 1: Achieve 95% adherence to the cabinet monthly message calendar annually for the duration of the plan.

Objective 1: Increase awareness of Empire State University’s brand.

Goal 1: Achieve a 50% higher pitch rate for strategic, targeted media outreach annually through 2028.
Goal 2: Increase the total potential media reach of the university’s communications by 10% annually through 2028.

Objective 2: Raise the profile of President Vollendorf in public higher education.

Goal 1: Increase the president’s LinkedIn followers by 10% each year over the duration of the plan.
Goal 2: In collaboration with the Office for Advancement and the deputy chief of staff, secure at least four public speaking events or podcast opportunities for President Vollendorf per year through 2028.
Goal 3: Promote at least four thought leadership articles or opinion pieces authored by President Vollendorf annually through 2028.
Goal 4: Release six episodes annually from 2025-2028 of a “walk and talk” video series featuring the president.