The Recreation Department at UC San Diego is excited to announce a new program designed to help achieve strategic alignment with the broader goals of the university. Led by Kevin Popovic, Education Manager of The Design Lab, this initiative exemplifies how design thinking can support organizational growth, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact across campus.
A Strategic Approach to Recreation Leadership
The program is structured aimed at facilitating the Recreation Department’s leadership and management teams in refining their priorities for the 2024-2025 academic year. These workshops will guide participants in defining critical initiatives, ensuring they align with the Student Affairs and Campus Life Strategic Plan (SACLSP).
- Leadership Workshop: This initiative will bring together 20 managers and directors to discuss and identify departmental priorities. By providing a platform for open dialogue, the workshop ensures leadership feels heard, valued, and empowered.
- Management Workshop: A subsequent initiative will involve senior managers and directors in refining these priorities and aligning them with measurable outcomes that contribute to the university’s overarching strategic goals.
Goals of the Program
The overarching goal of the program is to help the Recreation Department navigate ongoing organizational changes, including the expansion of the Recreation, IntraMural, and Athletic Complex (RIMAC) and the increasing demands of a growing campus. By focusing on fewer but more impactful initiatives, the department will be better positioned to serve students, support staff, and contribute to the university community.
Specific objectives include:
- Identifying Priorities: Facilitating the leadership team in selecting 4-6 critical initiatives for the academic year.
- Strategic Alignment: Ensuring these priorities integrate seamlessly with the SACLSP, reinforcing the university’s goals of resourceful resilience, technological empowerment, inclusive belonging, and communal responsibility.
- Creating a Roadmap: Developing a clear, actionable plan to address organizational challenges and campus growth effectively.
Building on UC San Diego’s Strategic Vision
This program reflects The Recreation Department’s commitment to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. By applying design thinking to organizational development, the initiative showcases how creative problem-solving can empower teams to set and achieve their goals.
The Recreation Department will not only benefit from a clear strategic focus but also contribute to the university’s mission of building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient campus community.
A Model for Future Impact
As this program unfolds, it will serve as a model for other departments seeking to align their efforts with university-wide initiatives. The lessons learned and methodologies applied will demonstrate the power of design thinking in addressing complex challenges and driving organizational success.
The Recreation Department looks forward to supporting our staff, stakeholders and community members on this journey, helping them build a stronger, more impactful future for UC San Diego. Stay tuned to this website for updates as we work together to bring this vision to life.