Annual Program Goal Setting: Best Practices and Real Experiences

Abstract

This webinar presentation was delivered to the Higher Education Financial Wellness Association (HEFWA) on best practices for annual program goal setting. It features speakers Dr. Helen Colby, Jodi Kaus, and Nicole Benford sharing research and real experiences in financial education program goal setting. Dr. Colby covers research on identifying audiences, timeframes, using tiered goals, basing goals on previous years' data and reference points, and collecting/analyzing data. Concrete, measurable goals tied to institutional objectives are emphasized. Jodi Kaus presents a case study from Kansas State University, highlighting the importance of aligning goals with the institution's strategic plan, incorporating measurement tools, getting staff and student input, and periodic assessment. An example goal is provided of increasing financial counseling sessions by 15% over last year. Nicole Benford shares a case study from UNC Charlotte as a young department, focusing on strategic plan alignment, campus financial wellbeing assessment, and student leadership development assessment. Key goals are increasing awareness and access, measured through engagement opportunities and resources provided. The webinar concludes with discussion of challenges and best practices in goal setting. Overall, this webinar provides HEFWA members with research, frameworks, and real examples to set measurable annual program goals tied to institutional objectives.