Laurentian University has selected Canadian company StrategyCorp as a consultant to assist with its upcoming strategic planning process.
The university is obligated to hire two third-party consultants under the terms of its plan of arrangement following its exit from insolvency under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (or CCAA) last year.
One of those consultants will lead a comprehensive operational restructuring of the university (Deloitte has been picked for this job), while the other consultant will assist with the development of a new strategic plan for Laurentian.
This critical planning process will set a foundation for the university’s future and is the result of a public request for proposals which took place in January and February of 2023, said a press release.
The Strategic Plan will be formed as a result of extensive consultations with groups internal and external to Laurentian University, with a particular focus on strengthening the bilingual and tricultural aspects of the institution.
“This strategic planning process will set a critical foundation for the University’s future,” said Sheila Embleton, interim president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University.
“The process will be led by the University, the ideas will come from our community, and we’ll benefit from a partner with vast experience.”
After having recently selected Deloitte as the university’s transformational consultant, Laurentian University is poised to continue to renew and evolve in line with the needs of Northern Ontario communities, the press release said.
The assistance of an external advisor in the strategic planning process is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement.
The Strategic Plan will also consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS reports, and the French Language Services Commissioner.
The work to develop the Strategic Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by December 2023. There will be many opportunities for engagement and more information on how to participate will be forthcoming.
