The University of Winnipeg has strengthened its long-term approach to enrolment with the launch its new Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan. The Plan marks an important milestone for the University and will guide its student recruitment, admissions, enrolment, and retention until 2030.
Developed through extensive engagement across the University, the SEM Plan is organized around three interconnected areas: Recruitment, Admissions, and Enrolment; Retention; and Academic Programming and Infrastructure. This broad approach reflects the understanding that enrolment is a shared responsibility across the University. The plan calls for faculty and staff to work together and use institutional data to better understand student needs, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes in enrolment.
At the centre of this work is the student. A core principle of the plan is that enrolment is about more than recruitment and retention. It is about ensuring UWinnipeg provides the best possible academic and student experience, from the first point of connection through to graduation and beyond.
The creation of the SEM Plan was a University-wide initiative led by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic. A SEM Steering Committee and three subcommittees led the collection of data and development of recommendations, proposed actions, and key performance indicators. These committees included representation from a wide variety of faculty, staff, and student groups from across the University.
The broader UWinnipeg community then had an opportunity to review and shape the plan through both in-person and online engagement. More than 150 faculty, staff, and students took part in engagement sessions, and more than 1,100 provided feedback through five surveys.
"The strength of this Plan lies in the collaborative process that shaped it," said Dr. Pavlina Radia, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "Faculty, staff, and students brought diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the conversations, helping us identify priorities and develop a more coordinated and student-centred approach to enrolment management. As we move from planning to implementation, I look forward to continuing this work together."
Rather than being a static plan, the SEM Plan is intended to be a living, adaptable framework. It will help the University respond to changing internal and external conditions, use institutional data more effectively, and identify opportunities for sustainable enrolment growth while aligning enrolment with the University's mission, capacity, and financial sustainability.
This work is an important part of putting UWinnipeg's Meeting the Moment: Strategic Plan 2025-2030 into action. "The SEM Plan will play a key role in advancing our strategic goals," said Dr. Jino Distasio, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. "I'm excited that we have a solid framework for developing academic programs, supports, and experiences that meet the needs of students and contribute to the future of our province. Congratulations to Dr. Radia, her team, and all the committee members for completing this important project."
"This is an opportunity to think intentionally about the entire student experience, as well as the importance of relationship and community engagement," said Dr. Radia. "This Plan will help us strengthen student success and student resilience, support vibrant and sustainable academic programs, and foster a connected, inclusive, and thriving University community."
The University of Winnipeg's new Strategic Enrolment Plan can be viewed on the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic website.
