Dates

• Existence: 1975 - 2006

Administrative history

The University Planning Council (UPC) at Boston College was established in 1975, following a recommendation by the University Academic Planning Council (UAPC) to create a standing body for ongoing strategic planning. The UPC was tasked with preparing reports, including one for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation visit in 1976.

While specific records detailing the exact disbanding date of the UPC are limited. As Boston College's strategic planning processes evolved, the functions of the UPC were likely integrated into other institutional structures or committees. For instance, in 1994, a new ad hoc University Planning Council appears to have been formed to develop a strategic plan directing Boston College’s academic life beyond the year 2000. By the mid-2000s, the UPC had been replaced with the University Strategic Planning Initiative (USPI), resulting in the publication of the 2017-2027 plan, Ever to Excel: Advancing Boston College's Mission.

The Goals for the Nineties, developed by Boston College's University Planning Council in 1984 under Father Monan’s leadership, outlined long-term objectives for academic excellence, Jesuit identity, and infrastructure development. This plan, supported by the Board of Trustees, linked institutional goals to resource needs, enabling projects like a new chemistry building and expanded facilities, and positioned the university for growth into the 21st century.

According to Charles F. Donovan's History of Boston College: From the Beginnings to 1990, the document titled Strategic Planning for Technology and Facilities was developed in the mid-1980s. This initiative was part of Boston College's efforts to address the rapid advancements in technology and the need for updated facilities to support its academic mission. The strategic plan aimed to integrate new computing and communication technologies into the university's infrastructure, ensuring that the institution remained at the forefront of educational innovation.

In 2006, Boston College launched the Excellence, Leadership, Distinction Strategic Plan to elevate its academic reputation and societal impact. Rooted in Jesuit values, the plan prioritized leadership in liberal arts, holistic student formation, research addressing global challenges, and excellence in select sciences and professional fields. It also aimed to enhance international partnerships and establish Boston College as the world’s leading Catholic university. The University committed $1.6 billion to hiring faculty, creating academic centers, and building state-of-the-art facilities, including a fine arts district and student housing. This bold vision positioned Boston College for leadership in education, research, and service.