An inclusive and engaging journey that brought together all aspects of its internal and external communities has culminated with the release of the University of Lethbridge's new Strategic Plan a shared vision that addresses the changing landscape of post-secondary education provincially, nationally and globally.
Launched Tuesday (March 25) at community celebrations on each of the University's Lethbridge and Calgary campuses, the plan defines ULethbridge, its values and commitment, and sets the course for the next 10 years.
"I am extremely proud to unveil our Strategic Plan today, which represents a vision created through a true consultative process," says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. "The incredible input and engagement we received from students, employees, alumni and external community supporters have made this a plan we are all invested in and one that sets us on a path to great growth and success for years to come."
Chair of the University's Board of Directors, Dean Gallimore (BMgt '84), says the Strategic Plan clearly defines four strategic directions that speak to the heart of the ULethbridge mission, its promise to students, employees, alumni and the communities it serves.
These strategic directions are:
- Challenge Boundaries and Inspire Curiosity
- Be a Place Where People Aspire to Learn, Work and Contribute
- Shape the Future
- Engage Communities
"In the conversations we had throughout this journey and there were many several themes consistently emerged that connected all the groups with whom we engaged," says Gallimore. "These themes underpinned the directions we identify in the Strategic Plan and clearly encapsulated what our communities, both internal and external, believe what we excel at today and what we should aspire to be in the future."
The values, as enunciated in the Strategic Plan, that inform what the University does and supports the strategic directions include: Relationships, Belonging, Respect, Courage, Quality, Access and Sustainability.
Located on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory, ULethbridge's Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. Our commitment to the relationship between the University and Indigenous Peoples connects everything we do shaping our past, present and future and is reflected in the Strategic Plan's creation, including the metaphorical use of the tipi as a representation of how the plan is constructed, explains Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) '72, DASc '04), the University's vice-provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations.
"For the Blackfoot people, the tipi is where the transfer of knowledge takes place. There are four keystone poles that make up the tipi structure with supporting poles that come together in a circular design without hierarchy, intersecting at the top of the tipi, reaching for the sky and stars," says Little Bear. "Like the tipi's keystone poles, at Iniskim we have four strategic directions and supporting goals, all intersecting, crossing boundaries and transferring knowledge. Everyone is invited to our tipi. It is home for our students, employees, alumni and friends."
The focus now shifts to implementing the plan and bringing it to life.
"This plan provides a long-term framework to enhance academic excellence, research innovation and community engagement," says Jayas. "It sets the University on a path to continued success, one that will create an even better student experience and enrich the University's substantial contributions to bettering society."
To view the full plan, visit ulethbridge.ca/strategic-plan
