The Collective Impact Strategic Plan was approved on May 31, 2016 by the UCF Board of Trustees and the UCF President and Provost’s offices under the dimensions of philosophy, value, and distinctive impact. As a leader in higher education, the University of Central Florida is said to be entering a new phase focused on innovation and meeting the growing demand. The Strategic Plan maps out the avenues to accomplish this, which now incorporates health and sustainability into its metrics.

The Strategic Plan states that it “reflects the importance given to ensuring that the university strengthens its commitment to healthy environments and sustainable practices in everything it undertakes. As a respected partner and leader in the region, it must serve as a model in developing and embracing health and sustainability innovations that can positively affect the university and the community in which it lives” (2016, p. 30). With that, the Health and Sustainability model charges UCF with goals to (1) be recognized as a top 50 healthiest campus, and (2) define and achieve favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities.

When considering health and sustainability, the university’s grand scale may spawn reluctance in accomplishing such goals. However, the plan explains that the scale, matched with its rich excellence, can exemplify the university’s impact on scientific and societal challenges through innovative strategies. These include enhancing the health and wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff, continuing to adhere to commitment to LEED standards for all new construction, and developing aggressive energy conservation strategies.

Looking to the future, the document concludes with “a plan is only as good as what happens when the planning stops—and the real work begins.”