b'Heidelbergs lower-than-average retention and graduation rates and the Midwests demographic cli# contribute to the institutions precarious nancial situation. Heidelberg has consistently struggled with budget decits for the past twenty-ve years. As a university driven primarily by tuition revenue, the size of incoming classes and retention rates have a direct and clear impact on the Universitys operating budget. Additionally, Heidelbergs student population remains disproportionately White, disproportionately male, and increasingly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (as indicated by an increase in the percentage of Pell Eligible students).Heidelberg University Student Body Demographics 2000 2020White/Caucasian 92% 80%African American 7% 8%Hispanic 1% 4%Other (Bi-racial) 0% 4%First Generation 32% 41%(Only tracked consistently since 2008.) (2008)Pell-Eligible 35% 39.7%Overall, Heidelberg University is struggling with the same challenges as most institutions of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated or accentuated these challenges, both nationwide and on the local level. Although state and federal governments provided nancial support for institutions of higher education, the signicant disruptions to recruitment and retention e#orts, teaching and learning, and all aspects of the student educational experience pose an existential threat to residential small colleges. The SGAP Steering Commi"ee was established with these challenges - both in general and Heidelberg specic - in mind. For Heidelberg University to survive the current crises and thrive in the changing landscape of higher education, the institution must develop a strategic plan that responds to the various challenges higher education is facing.8'