Skip To Translation Selection Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer
University of the District of Columbia Facebook University of the District of Columbia Instagram University of the District of Columbia LinkedIn University of the District of Columbia Twitter/X University of the District of Columbia YouTube

Strategic Plan

2026–2031

Speech-Language Pathology Program Strategic Plan

Executive Summary

The University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program presents this updated strategic plan for 2026–2031, reaffirming its commitment to equity, innovation, access, and community impact. The plan is designed to guide the program’s priorities for the next five years while aligning with the evolving landscape of clinical practice and graduate education.

The strategic plan's primary objectives are to:

  • Expand access through academic innovation and an increased hybrid/online course pathway.
  • Strengthen clinical training through technology-enhanced education and structured digital health competencies.
  • Increase community engagement through expanded partnerships and equity-driven clinical experiences.
  • Improve student success, recruitment, and retention through enhanced support systems and advising.
  • Advance faculty development, pedagogy, scholarship, and program excellence.
  • Modernize program infrastructure and clinical facilities.

The plan identifies several programmatic drivers that require focused action, including limited current hybrid/online offerings, the rapid evolution of clinical technologies, the need for expanded placements and continued culturally responsive services in underserved communities, increasing competition for students, and the necessity of modern facilities and resources to support technology-driven clinical training.

To address these priorities, the program will implement six integrated focus areas:

  • Academic Innovation & Online Expansion
  • Technology-Enhanced Clinical Education
  • Community Engagement & Clinical Partnerships
  • Student Success, Recruitment & Retention
  • Faculty Development, Scholarship & Program Excellence
  • Program Infrastructure Resources & Clinical Facilities

Vision

A world in which all individuals—across cultures, languages, and communities—have equitable access to high-quality communication and swallowing services that empower full participation in society.

Mission

To prepare culturally responsive, community-engaged, and evidence-based speech-language pathologists who advance communication equity, serve diverse urban populations, and uphold the highest standards of clinical and academic excellence.

Core Values

Excellence

We pursue excellence by upholding the highest standards in teaching, clinical training, and service.

Collaboration

We foster collaboration through strong partnerships among students, faculty, community organizations, and clinical sites.

Sustainability

We develop programs, practices, and community relationships that support long-term growth and responsible resource use.

Innovation

We integrate emerging technologies, digital learning tools, and evidence-based practices.

Integrity

We demonstrate integrity through ethical practice, transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

Envisioned Future (2026–2031)

By 2031, the UDC SLP Program will establish itself as a regional leader in digital health innovation, online and hybrid education, and community-centered clinical practice.

  • An online and hybrid education model that expands access.
  • Advanced simulation, tele-practice, and AI-supported tools.
  • A robust network of community partnerships.
  • A state-of-the-art on-campus and virtual clinic.
  • A faculty culture of scholarship and innovation.

ASHA-Aligned Strategic Plan Components

Focus Areas: Major areas of the program that are of concern and that need to be addressed to enhance or improve the program.
  • Focus Area
  • Issues
  • Outcomes
  • Indicators of Success
  • Strategies to Achieve Outcomes

Focus Area 1: Academic Innovation & Online Expansion

Issues

  • Limited online/hybrid offerings
  • Need for modern instructional design
  • Increased demand for flexible graduate education

Outcomes

  • Launch online and hybrid academic offerings
  • Redesign all courses using accessible, human-centered design
  • Increase enrollment and retention

Indicators of Success

  • Online and hybrid offerings approved
  • Pre-level courses include online modules
  • Enrollment increases 10–20%
  • Student satisfaction exceeds 80%

Strategies

  • Develop a five-year online course conversion plan.
  • Adopt Blackboard learning analytics.
  • Integrate virtual labs, simulations, and interactive modules.
  • Establish a Digital Learning Committee.

Focus Area 2: Technology-Enhanced Clinical Education

Issues

  • Rapid evolution of clinical technologies
  • Need for structured digital health competencies

Outcomes

  • Graduates proficient in tele-practice, AAC, digital documentation, and AI-supported tools.
  • Clinical partners aligned with technology standards.

Indicators of Success

  • Technology competencies embedded in syllabi.
  • 100% of students complete tele-practice and simulation hours.
  • Acquisition of AAC, VR/AR, and AI tools.

Strategies

  • Expand the UDC Tele-practice Clinic.
  • Acquire new simulation platforms.
  • Provide technology training.
  • Partner with AAC and technology vendors.

Focus Area 3: Community Engagement & Clinical Partnerships

Issues

  • Need to expand placements in underserved areas.
  • Need to expand community screenings.
  • Growing demand for culturally responsive services.

Outcomes

  • Strengthened partnerships across DC.
  • Increased service to marginalized communities.
  • Equity-driven clinical experiences.

Indicators of Success

  • 20% increase in externship sites.
  • 20% increase in community organizations.
  • Annual student community service hours.
  • Positive partner feedback.

Strategies

  • Create a Community Partnership Expansion Plan.
  • Develop mobile/pop-up clinic models.
  • Integrate service-learning and industry-based experiences.
  • Host and support Community Communication Health Fairs.

Focus Area 4: Student Success, Recruitment & Retention

Issues

  • Need for stronger support systems.
  • Competition among regional programs.
  • Need for scholarships and funding support.

Outcomes

  • Improved retention and graduation.
  • Increased enrollment of DC-area students.
  • Increased enrollment of national and international students.

Indicators of Success

  • Retention ≥ 80%
  • Graduation ≥ 80%
  • Advising/support satisfaction ≥ 80%

Strategies

  • Structured advising and peer mentoring.
  • Flexible scheduling and online/hybrid options.
  • Expanded scholarships and assistantships.
  • Student Success Dashboard.
  • Digital Learning Student Advisory Group.

Focus Area 5: Faculty Development, Scholarship & Program Excellence

Issues

  • Need for protected time and resources.
  • Accreditation and quality improvement needs.
  • Need for funding opportunities.

Outcomes

  • Increase funded projects and faculty scholarship.
  • Alignment with ASHA Standard 2.4 Faculty Continuing Competence.

Indicators of Success

  • Sustained publications, presentations, and grants.
  • Successful accreditation reviews.

Strategies

  • Pursue professional development funding.
  • Support research collaborations.
  • Pursue community-aligned research.

Focus Area 6: Program Infrastructure, Resources & Clinical Facilities

Issues

  • Need for modernization of spaces and equipment.
  • Growing demand for digital tools.

Outcomes

  • Technologically advanced, student-centered environment.
  • Expanded clinical capacity.
  • Collaborative clinical spaces.
  • Expanded virtual clinic.
  • Expanded community outreach.

Indicators of Success

  • Dedicated clinic/classrooms.
  • Collaborative technology lab acquisition.
  • Additional AAC, diagnostic, and simulation tools.
  • Increased client volume.

Strategies

  • Capital improvement plan.
  • Pursue grant funding.
  • Pursue donors.
  • Implement electronic health records.

Program Analysis/Strategy – SWOT Analysis

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis will align assessment findings with the six strategic focus areas.

Annual SWOT Metrics

  • Quantitative indicators (retention, enrollment, clinical utilization, etc.).
  • Qualitative indicators (partner feedback, student satisfaction, advising satisfaction).

Improvement Action Template

  • SWOT Driver
  • Assessment Finding
  • Action
  • Owner
  • Timeline
  • Success Measure

Annual Reporting

  • SWOT summary
  • Action status
  • Next-cycle adjustments

Commitment to Excellence

The UDC Speech-Language Pathology Program remains committed to preparing clinicians who advance communication equity, serve diverse communities, and lead with innovation, empathy, compassion, and integrity.

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Developing a Strategic Plan for a Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

asha.org/academic/developing-a-strategic-plan-for-a-program-in-csd/
asha.org/academic/developing-a-strategic-plan-for-a-program-in-csd/

Back to Top
Take The Next Steps, Today!
Apply Now Visit UDC