Benchmarking is the comparision of performance indicator data with peer or aspirant institutions. The primary purpose of benchmarking is to effect institutional improvement by i) identifying institutional strengths and weaknesses, ii) identifying potential areas to focus effort, additional programs, strategies or resources, iii) identifying those institutions that appear to be already performing well in certain areas, so that we might glean and adapt ideas from them for implementation and benefit on our own campus.

Benchmarking is only a first step in strategic planning; it lays the foundation to engage the university in discussion of its perceptions, values, issues, needs, goals and strategies. This document is intended as a reference for broad-based university planning, and as a resource for the development of UNCW's next strategic plan.