Institutional Research and Planning gathered information to support the efforts of the steering committee by conducting focus groups for students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees, and Linda Vista community leaders as well as phone interviews with business, church, and community leaders in San Diego. A follow-up Web-based survey was administered online to students, faculty, staff, and alumni to further probe the focus group findings. A summary report presents highlights of the focus groups and survey results.

A subcommittee chaired by Msgr. Daniel Dillabough evaluated USD's mission statement and, using feedback from the focus groups and phone interviews, drafted a more concise version, with a supporting statement of core values. The full Steering Committee approved the updated mission and core values, and the Board of Trustees approved them on February 8.

Next, the Steering Committee turned its attention to developing a vision statement, something new for USD, and a set of strategic directions—broad-based goals that could move the University toward realizing that vision. After much discussion and revision, the vision and goals were presented to the Board of Trustees, who approved them on April 30.

The mission, vision, and directions were fully articulated within the time span of one academic year. USD was now positioned to explore possible ways of achieving those goals.