Wisconsin Athletics Strategic Plan

OUR MISSION:

To elevate the lives of our student-athletes, each other and the people in our community.

VALUES

Deeply engrained principles that define our organization’s character and guide all of our actions.

CULTURE

The way we implement our values on a day-to-day basis; a summary of how we show up and who we aspire to be.

STRATEGIC BELIEFS

The things we believe to be true about what makes organizations successful in our industry given the current landscape.

FOCUS AREAS

Provide direction for our organizational goal development, based on our Strategic Beliefs.

OUR VALUES

Deeply engrained principles that define our organization's character and guide all of our actions.

A group speaking on stage

EXCELLENCE

We set high standards and challenge ourselves to go beyond what is ordinary and seek unending improvement.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We are committed to an inclusive culture where every individual feels free to be their authentic self. Our differences are our strengths and together our variety of perspective moves us forward.

SELFLESSNESS

We have a “we before me” mentality and a shared commitment to act collaboratively in the best interest of Wisconsin.

INTEGRITY

We are committed to doing things the right way with a vow to compliance and fiscal responsibility.

PASSION

We have an undeniable pride in being Badgers. It’s not a label, it’s part of who we are as people. In everything we do, we represent Wisconsin with enthusiasm and spirit.

SERVICE

Through a culture of character building, support and trust, we strive to unlock the full potential of our student-athletes and each other. In all moments we are empowered to create great memories and unite with our community in the pursuit of excellence and joy.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Together we create a culture of accountability and demonstrate high levels of ownership to achieve desired results. We set clear expectations and are personally accountable for delivering on our promises.

OUR CULTURE

The way we implement our values on a day-to-day basis; a summary of how we show up and who we aspire to be.

People playing basketball
PEOPLE-CENTERED

We aspire to be a place where all people feel seen, valued and supported (Diversity & Inclusion)

We are strengthened by our differences and individual authenticity (Diversity & Inclusion)

We are committed to investing in and developing our student-athletes, each other and our community (Service)

We provide an environment that fosters individual and collective growth (Service)

BETTER TOGETHER

We value a “we before me” approach to success (Selflessness)

We embrace the power of sport to bring people together (Diversity & Inclusion and Passion)

We champion teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals (Selflessness)

We partner to benefit the greater good (Service)

FORWARD THINKING

We are committed to achieving excellence through an unending pursuit of improvement (Excellence)

We embrace challenges and the lessons learned from successes and failures (Excellence and Accountability)

We are prepared, take calculated risks and anticipate opportunities (Excellence)

We champion strategic innovation and look to build on the legacy of those who came before us (Excellence)

BADGER PRIDE

We expect to win and win the right way (Excellence & Integrity)

We are proud we’re Badgers and represent Wisconsin with enthusiasm and spirit (Passion)

We are all accountable for meeting high standards and achieving results with integrity (Accountability & Integrity)

We act in the best interest of Wisconsin (Selflessness)

We leverage the power of the Motion W to uplift the community (Service)

A person running a Wisconsin flag along the endzone at Camp Randall Stadium

STRATEGIC BELIEFS

The things we believe to be true about what makes organizations successful in our industry given the current landscape

PEOPLE ARE THE GREATEST ASSET.

Organizational success is dependent upon people – both those representing the organization and the community it serves.

People separate good and great organizations. People inspire each other to come together, serve each other, give hope, motivate, and achieve more than they could elsewhere. Organizations that invest in people, coupled with individuals who own their development and take advantage of opportunities to build their skillsets, achieve greatness.

A group standing in front of a sign for the 50th anniversary of Title IX

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION MATTER.

Great organizations live by and model a shared set of values and beliefs. They recruit, develop and retain diverse and inclusive teams where people are valued, are comfortable being who they are, and know all voices are important.

Healthy cultures are built through shared experiences that create and uncover common ground. They encourage respectful debate of ideas and concepts, allowing people to build trust and strengthen relationships. The best of the best engage all levels of the organization in idea sharing and developing critical thinking skills. A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion influences how great organizations make decisions and engage with all stakeholders.

THERE IS REAL POWER IN SPORT.

In a world where people are connected but also fragmented in many ways, sport has the power to bring people together. The best athletic organizations tap into people’s passion and allow fans to embrace their pride in their team. They find ways to create memorable shared experiences and give people, regardless of where they are, the feeling that they are part of something larger than themselves. Great athletic organizations recognize that it’s their responsibility to grow, sustain and engage their community.

CHANGE MUST BE ANTICIPATED, EMBRACED AND LEVERAGED.

The world is rapidly changing. Forward thinking and strategic flexibility is a differentiator. Winning organizations embrace change and take calculated risk to create competitive advantages. Leaders know their business and are constantly recognizing trends and leveraging opportunities to evolve. Cross-functional collaboration, which fosters innovative solutions and new strategies, is essential.

HOLISTIC STUDENT-ATHLETE OPPORTUNITIES LEAD TO BETTER LIFE-LONG OUTCOMES.

A holistic approach to the student-athlete opportunity creates a foundation for successful life-long outcomes. College athletics is central to the educational mission of higher education, not separate from it. Built-in support systems provide every student-athlete the opportunity to actively pursue a lifestyle that embraces wellness during their college experience and beyond. The best athletic departments commit to this opportunity and that commitment is owned by all members of the organization, including their student-athletes.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH ENABLES LONG TERM SUCCESS.

In the ever-changing college sports landscape, financial viability will drive the overall success of athletic departments across the country. The most successful departments grow revenue and manage expenses to ensure that, regardless of industry-wide changes, they are positioned to immediately compete at the highest level.

FOCUS AREAS

Provide direction for our organizational goal development, based on our Strategic Beliefs.

Prepare our student-athletes to win now and beyond.

(Student-Athlete Opportunity)

Develop our workforce.

(Workforce Planning)

Create community, connection and belonging in the workplace.

(Staff Engagement)

Leverage data and modernize technology.

(Data & Tech)

Reimagine the customer journey.

(External Engagement)

A collage of sudent athletes, badger fans, and volunteers participating in community events