Integrated Planning Models and Cycles

Integrated Planning & Resource Allocation Decision-Making Model

The College’s Integrated Planning, Evaluation, and Resource Allocation Decision-Making Model (IPM), originally implemented in 2011 and revised in 2021, provides the structure and processes for Improvement through effective planning, evaluation, and resource allocation decisions. The IPM integrates short-range, mid-range and long-term planning to maximize resources to facilitate student access, retention, and success. The cycles of the Educational Master Plan, Facilities Plan, Staffing Plan, and Technology Plan are integrated and ensure ongoing influence of the three-year planning cycle of the Strategic Plan and the Program Review and Planning process.

Integrated Planning Model Diagram
This diagram shows how a college’s planning process works like a cycle. It starts with the school’s mission and data analysis. From there, a master plan is created for education and facilities. The master plan connects to strategic plans and department reviews, which are also shaped by statewide goals for student success and equity. Next, the college does annual assessments and decides how to allocate resources. Those steps lead to plan implementation, which then loops back into assessments and data analysis so the process can keep improving over time.

Resource Allocation Model

The Resource Allocation Model (RAM) at the core of the IPM guarantees that College planning priorities and budget assumptions drive resource allocation decision-making. The RAM is the College’s ongoing, transparent, and inclusive process to arrive at an annual balanced operating budget that links available resource allocation and budget requirements to planning and reviews.

Resource Allocation Diagram
This diagram shows how a college creates its budget. The process begins with two inputs: reviewing and updating strategic plans, and analyzing the state budget outlook. These lead to two sets of priorities: planning priorities, such as long-term and division goals, and budget assumptions, such as reserves, revenues, and costs. Together, these priorities and assumptions guide resource allocation decisions. Needs are sorted into required costs, discretionary costs, and human resources, all compared against available revenues. Finally, everything flows into the creation of the annual budget.

Planning Cycles

Palomar College Vision Planning, which includes the Educational Plan and Facilities Plan, operates on a 12-year cycle, with a comprehensive update and assessment in year six. Mid-range plans that support Master Planning, such as the Technology, Staffing, and Capital Plans, operate on a 6-year cycle. Strategic Planning operates on a 3-year cycle, and Program Review and Planning for Instructional programs and Non-instructional departments occur in two-year staggered cycles.

Planning Alignment with Vision, Mission, and Values

The College aligns programs and services with its Vision, Mission, and Values as part of the vision planning, strategic planning, and Program Review and Planning (PRP) processes, which together inform institutional decision making, goal setting, and resource allocation.

Vision
Transforming lives for a better future.

Mission
Palomar College respects each of our students’ experiences and supports them to achieve academic success. As a community college, we encourage our students to embrace the best version of themselves and prepare them to engage with our local and global communities.

Values
In creating the learning and cultural experience that fulfill our mission, we are committed to serving our community, including historically and currently marginalized and racially minoritized populations. In doing so, we are guided by the core values of:

Access
We make education possible for everyone.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We recognize and respect diversity, seek to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, and strive to address inequities.

Academic Excellence
We provide quality programs and robust course offerings to support students who are pursuing transfer-readiness, general education, career and technical training, aesthetic and cultural enrichment, and lifelong education.

Student Focused
We offer a caring and supportive environment that addresses the holistic and distinct needs of our students.

Community
We are an integral part of our region and strive to foster meaningful relationships within our college and local communities.

Transformation
We inspire learning, improvement, and growth for all.

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