Strategic planning at Oakland Community College focuses on the planning process instead of the plan itself. Focusing on the plan only works if the environment is stable and forecasting is accurate. The environment in which OCC operates is dynamic, complex and unpredictable. To remain relevant, the College must identify opportunities for growth and innovation, seeking out new opportunities and rapidly respond to the needs of its constituents.

Planning at OCC is an inclusive process that uses decision‐making tools to provide a multidimensional view of the organization now and in the future. Taking into account external opportunities, external and internal constraints, internal capabilities and the values of its key constituents, the planning process addresses three strategic questions: