The course explores the important sequential steps in a comprehensive strategic planning process. It is an interactive course allowing participants to work through many of these steps and provides opportunities to share their experiences and perceptions on the strategic planning process itself. A strategic planning framework helps participants deal with external and internal forces faced by their units or institutions in today’s rapidly changing environment. It is important to understand that the process an institution/unit will undergo in developing the plan is often perceived as more important than the actual documents developed, or plans produced. The process of planning will provide skills needed by the unit in order for it to be successful.