A formal strategic planning process was first initiated in the fall of 2004 by then President Judith K. Winn. This process used environmental scanning and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to develop a set of strategic priorities and corresponding tactical objectives.
The first strategic plan developed through this process was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2005 and guided the college through 2009. A second strategic plan, Engaged for Excellence: 2010 – 2013, was adopted by the Board in December 2009. For both of these initiatives, a college-wide strategic planning committee was formed and the college community was encouraged to participate in the process through venues such as open forums and focus groups. During the spring of 2011, the college reviewed the strategic plan, reworded the main goals to better reflect Bergen’s vision and mission and revised the tactical objectives.
The Center for Institutional Effectiveness has always played a key role in the development and implementation of strategic plans at Bergen Community College. As part of its mission, CIE is responsible for:
- facilitating and coordinating strategic planning activities on campus
- ensuring that the college’s strategic plan is regularly updated and that its recommendations are put into action
- tracking the progress of plans
- producing appropriate reports
- developing appropriate college processes to ensure that operational and tactical plans are developed in light of strategic objectives
Bergen Community College has embarked upon writing a new strategic plan to steer the institution toward 2020 and beyond. To help achieve its goals, Bergen applied for and was selected for participation in Achieving the Dream 
in June 2015.