Laurentian University said it's came a long way in the time period from 2012 to 2017, the years covered by its last strategic plan.
Not least among these accomplishments are multimillion dollar contributions from private investors and the facelift Laurentian received through its campus modernization project.
It also climbed in the Maclean's Magazine university rankings, has the highest post-graduate employment rate in Ontario and has more indigenous faculty members than any other university in the province.
“The last five years have been truly remarkable and transformative,” said Pierre Zundel, Laurentian's interim president. “We've enjoyed success on many levels and achieved significant milestones.”
On Jan. 17, Laurentian released its strategic plan for the next five years, from 2018 through to the year 2023.
Under the banner of Imagine 2023, the new strategic plan was developed in consultation with more than 1,500 students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders.
Zundel said the strategic plan is very important, as it drives decision-making and how the university allocates its resources.
“I don't think we'll see the same physical change to the campus,” he said. “I think the big capital projects are not going to be very many in the next few years.
“But we'll continue to see a real growth in our research area, in our teaching and learning capability, our strength in mining and the environment and in our indigenous work.
“I think we will look back five years from now and say this place is really different today than it was five years ago, but not necessarily in the same
physical way.”
The plan outlines five main aspirations. They are as follows:
- Laurentian University will be a leader in the process of reconciliation through transformative postsecondary education and research.
- Laurentian University will be a catalyst for vibrant Francophone cultures and communities across Ontario and beyond.
- Laurentian University will create interdisciplinary knowledge to offer compelling solutions for society’s complex challenges.
- Laurentian University’s expertise in mining and environmental stewardship will drive knowledge creation, economic prosperity, and ecological sustainability, locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Laurentian University will provide innovative solutions to address particular health concerns and the general well-being of the North and its populations.
Getting more into specifics, the plan also outlines 25 desired outcomes.
These include supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action by offering Anishnaabemowin language lessons for students, faculty and staff, as well as cultural safety training.
The university also plans on ramping up services for international students and increasing its graduate student enrolment by 40 per cent (or 200 students).
It also wants healthier students, and plans to offer more accessible recreational areas, healthy food options and improved mental health supports.
To read the full strategic plan, visit this website.
