Future State

This is my favorite time of year! There is nothing like the start of a new academic year with new students arriving, the anticipation of a winning football season and the colors of autumn. Each new academic year brings new opportunities for us to Deliver Outstanding Spartan Experiences to our customers.

Reflecting on the past two years, we have accomplished a great many things! We have successfully completed our strategic plan, which outlines a new Spartan experience and will serve as our guide for the next 10 years and beyond. We have transitioned our organization to support our strategic plan whereby creating four new operating units — Auxiliary Resources, Campus Living Services, Culinary Services and the Spartan Hospitality Group. We continue to be recognized by our professional associations for our outstanding work — The Gallery’s NACUFS Loyal E. Horton Award, CMID’s Green Cleaning Award, Forest Akers Golf Courses’ recognition by Zagat as a top 10 value — and the list goes on.

Over the next couple years, the name of the game for us as a Division will be “thriving in disruptive times.” Clearly, the State of Michigan and the country are experiencing the worst economic conditions of the past 40 years. It is safe to assume that this economic period will forever change many of the assumptions of how we do business. Families are facing incredible financial pressure and are looking for good, solid value for their children’s educational investment. Consumers are examining discretionary spending on entertainment activities and seeking more value for their money. Given these changing conditions, we are well positioned to not only survive, but to thrive in these disruptive times.

Our mission of Delivering Outstanding Spartan Experiences for our students and guests is all about providing value. We are uniquely positioned to provide sound value for every dollar, at each point of service. As we evolve as an organization, we are becoming more sophisticated in our business processes and service delivery, which allows us to be more efficient and effective. At the core of our success are the personal daily interactions we have with our students, faculty, staff and guests. Our major initiatives, the First Year Experience program, Integrated Dining, Spartan Signature Catering and the Balanced Scorecard, in addition to our many renovation projects, including Brody, Mayo and Owen Halls, will position us to provide added value for our customers.  

As a member of the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services, you can make a difference! Thank you for everything you have done to support our vision and mission. Without you, we cannot be successful.