The University's draft strategic plan, called A Different Kind of University, outlines a five-year vision and direction for VIU that builds on community input heard last spring and summer.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) has developed a vision for the future it would like to see and is ready to hear if the vision resonates with community.
A Different Kind of University is the name of VIU's draft 2021-26 strategic plan, which is inspired by the institution's deep roots in community and efforts to bring post-secondary education to under-represented populations, building a supportive learning environment for diverse learners and strengthening connections with community members in shaping VIU's teaching and research.
"We are imagining a different kind of post-secondary education," says Dr. Deborah Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Building on our strengths, VIU envisions a unique educational experience that is more accessible, more inclusive, more collaborative and more deeply rooted in community."
Between March and July of 2020, about a thousand people shared their thoughts about VIU, its strengths and their visions for its future as part of the initial round of consultations. These thoughts and ideas are captured in the What We Heard report.
The next stage of the engagement process is taking place and community members can share their opinions on the draft plan through an interactive online platform and be part of shaping the future of VIU and how it interacts with - and impacts - community.
The plan includes three core values - people, place and passion - and four overarching goals and our commitments to meeting them:
- Build transformational learning experiences for all;
- Boost inclusion and well-being;
- Strengthen community partnerships; and
- Plan for seven generations.
These goals capture - and build on - what students, employees and the wider community see as VIU's greatest strengths as an institution as shared in the initial round of engagement.
Feedback will be collected until November 27, 2020. To participate:
- Register if you would like to comment on the draft plan; if you want to just read what is in the plan, you can also proceed as a guest.
- Read the new goals, objectives and initiatives proposed for VIU's next five years.
- Give your feedback wherever there are drop-down boxes. You can indicate your level of support for each proposal by voting, and you can share thoughts in the comment boxes, either publicly or privately. You can also simply email feedback to strategic-planning@viu.ca at any time.
- Feel free to return to the site throughout the engagement period to see what others are saying, continue engaging in the conversation, and change your vote or revise your comments.
To learn more, visit viu.ca/strategicplanning.
