Strategic Plan 2002-2007

The Division of Housing & Food Services is committed to upholding university tradition, while appreciating and embracing change, providing outstanding service to our customers, and a long-lasting legacy that reflects the spirit of Purdue University.

The Strategic Plan

Vice President's Message
We Improve Because of Three Reasons
What is Happening Under the Plan?
Strategies

Departments

Black Cultural Center
Elliott Hall of Music
Food Stores
Purdue Memorial Union
University Residences
Support Services

Vice-Presidents Message

Housing and Food Services is critical to the success of Purdue University. The collective efforts of staff in forward thinking, meeting the needs of an ever-changing customer, and responding to a new dynamic within the University set positive examples for others to emulate. Housing and Food Services leaders are aggressively pursuing a progressive vision for the future and are committed to building a healthy, interdependent whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Housing and Food Services has become a stronger division by implementing a strategic plan. The HFS Strategic Plan helps us review priorities and focus our energies, which results in improvements that ensure continual success for the Division and for the University.

We Improve Because of Three Reasons

Operational priorities have been identified and receive the attention they deserve. HFS better understands its customers and more accurately anticipates their needs and wants. Working collaboratively with departments across campus, we recognize the important role we play and actively contribute to the success of our partners.

We have comprehensive financial plans and facility master plans. HFS finished the 2002-2003 year with a positive performance, exceeding budgeted income before depreciation by $1,222,664 or 9.7 percent. University Residences' occupancy held its own, while the Union Club Hotel occupancy and PMU retail dining sales declined due to new, increased competition and an economic downturn. PMU Catering, however, experienced an increase in sales. PMU's strong financial management overall, and University Residences' food service consolidation plan specifically, helped achieve overall positive results. Diversifying revenue streams in the Hall of Music helped them to withstand economic fluctuations. University Residences has a comprehensive 20-year financial and facilities master plan. In similar fashion, PMU has adopted a five-year facilities plan, and the Hall of Music has identified facility needs and continues to develop their financial plan.

HFS enjoys a strong reputation for quality offerings and service on campus, in the community, and beyond. We are an integral part of the campus recruitment and retention efforts. University Residences is the largest college housing operation in the country that allows students to make their own housing choice. Yet, we still house nearly 90 percent of the freshman class on a voluntary basis; students and parents recognize the vital role the residential experience plays in making a successful transition to college. Boiler Gold Rush is successful in large part due to the support and services we provide. From groundbreakings to ribbon cuttings to campaign kick-offs, we produce memorable events. Weddings, large banquets, receptions, and campus-wide catered events are ordinary offerings executed in extra-ordinary fashion. Our services support one of the top 10 (both in number of conferences and conferees) conference/continuing education operations in the country. Our participation in campus-wide diversity efforts is well established and respected. Our ability to respond to customer demands is demonstrated through offerings such as Boiler Treat Packs, micro-fridges and Villa Pizza.

What is Happening Under the Plan?

Financial Viability

Our self-supporting nature causes us to focus on our customers and stay attuned to their needs, whether they be students, staff, or campus visitors. Earhart Dining Court's popularity shows that students make more sophisticated food choices. The demand for larger, air conditioned rooms at Cary confirms our findings that this is what today's students prefer in campus living.

The popular Bistro at Rawls Hall demonstrates Purdue Memorial Union's business expertise in successfully and profitably managing a satellite food operation. Successful collaboration between the Hall of Music Productions and an internal client has made the Jumbotron a significant part of the football game experience and provided the client a way to enhance services provided to their customers.

Facilities

As our buildings age, infrastructure support systems deteriorate; the repair and replacement of these systems require significant planning and allocation of resources. The renovation of Cary Quadrangle, air conditioning high-rise residences, adding additional fire safety in facilities, and refreshing the look and appeal of Pappy's Sweet Shop are others. In addition to large projects, we spend millions of dollars annually to keep our facilities looking attractive so that they are appealing to our customers.

Staff

I am particularly pleased with the HFS employees' work culture. Our caring concern for employees is expressed in the HFS Organizational Culture statement, and is demonstrated on a daily basis throughout the division. Each January, HFS celebrates its accomplishments; this year our HFS Celebration Event hit a new high with a "Mission: Possible" theme and Patti Hathaway as our speaker, sharing her thoughts on "Dealing with Change." Our Senior Management Diversity Forums remain popular and convey cultural awareness including geography, language, religion, music, family traditions evolution, and authentic food. Improvements include the consolidated orientation programs, the RAVE award saluting staff who have demonstrated exemplary actions, values, and efforts in doing their job, and American Lifestyle, a new orientation program for non-English speaking employees. Leadership development included the Disney Leadership Institute experience for five staff.

Other happenings under the plan include an exciting new venture through the Black Cultural Center, by which student research tours are offered, including trips to Harlem, New York; St. Louis, Missouri, and most recently, to Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. Campus-wide collaborations are increasing as is the use of BoilerTelevision for Residential Life programming.

Despite a wide variety of challenges, we are in a period of positive change that will be remembered as a turning point for Housing and Food Services. I look forward to working with you in pursuing the goals set forward in the HFS Strategic Plan and laying the groundwork for the aggressive planning that must follow.

Strategies

Our success in achieving our mission, vision, and goals will ultimately result from strategies that are all encompassing yet measurable. These strategies enable us to learn from past experiences, remain in touch with current customer needs, and create a roadmap for the future.

Our strategies will:

Create, maintain, and improve student programs and services. These programs will encourage students to become actively involved in campus organizations, participating in co-curricular and developmental activities while collaborating with groups both internal and external to Purdue. Within HFS, the Purdue Student Union Board, the Black Cultural Center, and the Residence Hall Council will offer collaborative programs that engage students, faculty, and staff in the exchange of ideas, critical thinking skills, and leadership development.
Sustain key partnerships and collaborations within the university community. For example, HFS is a key partner in innovative programs such as Learning Communities, where students with similar academic needs and common interests are grouped together in University Residences, providing a network of support that enhances the academic performance and develops mutually beneficial personal relationships.
Provide our customers with the highest quality of living and dining environments by building and/or upgrading facilities based on student feedback and best practices of competitors.
Permit us to recruit, hire, and develop professional staff members who share a passion for enhancing student life on campus and are committed to the mission, vision, and values of Housing & Food Services.
Maintain the highest standards of fiscal management and stewardship, with a diverse portfolio of revenue sources that will support the ever-changing needs of our customers.
Continually measure and assess the quality and relevance of Housing & Food Services, implementing continuous improvement of programs, services, and facilities in response to customer needs.