Strategic Plan

A Plan for the Development of the Academic Enterprise
submitted by the Task Force on Development of the Academic Enterprise at
the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus

Executive Summary

The George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) was established in 1991 with one building on 50 acres of land in Loudoun County Virginia. Today the campus includes four buildings on over 100 acres. As the campus prepares for its 20th anniversary, the time is right to create a new comprehensive plan for the campus. At the direction of President Steven Knapp, a three-part plan is being developed. This report provides a vision of the campus for 2020; a strategic analysis of the campus’ strengths, limitations, opportunities, and challenges; and a set of goals, objectives, and next steps to guide the beginning of the journey toward that vision. A master plan for campus facilities and amenities and a plan for the positioning of The George Washington University in the Commonwealth of Virginia are under development.

The most significant strengths of the campus include:

Recognition of the campus as a key university asset and complement to the Foggy Bottom campus by the GW leadership,
Space to create world-class research facilities and learning environments,
Location near a major international airport in an economically vibrant region with leading technology companies and interested potential partners.

While significant challenges remain to be overcome if the campus is to reach its potential, opportunities exist and will continue to emerge that will support growth in the academic enterprise of the campus and its contributions to GW’s role in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the economic development and quality of life of the Northern Virginia region.

The goals for the campus are as follows:

Goal 1. Expand sponsored research activity.
Goal 2. Increase enrollments in academic programs at the VSTC.
Goal 3. Systematically solicit support from corporations and foundations to enhance the VSTC’s research enterprise, educational programs, and community engagement activities.
Goal 4. Implement a plan of government relations and community engagement that establishes GW as a significant and valued contributor to the development of public policy, workforce and economic development, and the quality of life in the Northern Virginia region and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Goal 5. Develop a master plan for the VSTC that includes facilities that will support expansion of the research, educational, student services, University administrative, and community engagement enterprises of the VSTC, and amenities and a physical environment that will be conducive to and reflective of a vibrant university community.

The Virginia Science and Technology Campus has made great strides in the past three years toward achieving President Knapp’s vision for the campus when he said in 2008,

“The Virginia Campus presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the University’s research activities in ways that will complement our efforts in Foggy Bottom and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.”

With the ongoing commitment of the GW leadership, the faculty, and our strategic partners, the VSTC will continue to emerge as a major hub of research and development, education, technology transfer, and civic and cultural activity.

Click here to download the full Strategic Plan (.pdf format)