SWOT ANALYSIS

Do a SWOT analysis of one of the categories of higher education intuitions

Do a SWOT analysis of one of the categories of higher education intuitions

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis

This SWOT analysis builds on the Environmental Assessment and on the strategic planning discussions led by President White for the University of Illinois.

The UIS Strategic Planning Committee discussed SWOT specifically at two of its meetings, one in March 2005 and one in October 2005. It discussed strengths and weaknesses relative to our competition and in doing so, first identified who our competitors are. So this analysis begins with a list of competitors identified in the two meetings, in feedback from others at UIS, and in conversations among committee members.

Like the president's list for the University of Illinois, some of the SWOTs here overlap and some are contradictory; yet they form the basis for a thoughtful discussion about the future of UIS. Selected competitive variables are compared in Appendix B and Appendix C.

Major competitors, on-campus programs:

Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois College, Northern Illinois University, Bradley, and McKendree.

Major competitors, online programs:

University of Phoenix Online, University of Maryland University College, SUNY Learning Network, Arizona Universities Network, UMassOnline, Michigan State, Penn State World Campus, Stanford, University of Texas System, University of Wisconsin Extension.

UIS Strengths:

* U of I name

* affordable

* location in state capital

* small size

* full-time faculty teach most classes, and there is a strong bond and a high level of interaction between faculty and students

* expertise in teaching non-traditional students

* comprehensiveness, quality, and growth of online education

* accessibility - day, night, online formats

* interdisciplinary and experiential education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels

* Capital Scholars Honors ...