As college tuition continues to skyrocket and unemployment rates for new graduates remain unacceptably high, there is increasing pressure on career centers to define their institutional value. In times of diminishing resources, it is the career center that aligns itself with institutional goals and holds itself accountable for results that will not only survive, but also thrive. This session presents a new self assessment model based on organizational development principles, that will position the career center as a strategic advantage in any institution. Topics to be covered include developing a strategic plan; identifying appropriate metrics for evaluation; developing a career community; cost-benefit analysis of programs and services; creative staffing; and, creating a value proposition.