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Comprehensive Strategic Plan development
Shaping ULethbridge's future together.
A new Comprehensive Strategic Plan will address the changing landscape of post-secondary education provincially, nationally and globally, and respond to the evolving opportunities and challenges for the University of Lethbridge.
Focused on the future, the University of Lethbridge is embarking on the development of a new Comprehensive Strategic Plan, which also includes a renewal of our Academic Plan, Research Plan and People Plan. We are Iniskim and we are located on Blackfoot Confederacy Territory. Our commitment to the relationship between the University and Indigenous Peoples connects everything we do and will be woven throughout each plan.
The integrated planning process will be guided by individuals from the GFC Strategic Planning Committee. Additional guidance specific to each plan will fall to the GFC Research Committee and the Office of Vice-President Research (Research Plan), the Provost’s Office (Academic Plan), Human Resources and the People Plan Committee (People Plan), and the Vice-Provosts Indigenous and EDI (all plans).
“If I can emphasize one thing related to this process, it is to urge you to be involved. This is not my plan — this is our plan and we will only be successful if this plan is truly collaborative. There will be many opportunities for you to participate and to have your voice heard — please be aware and take advantage of these so that we can achieve a shared vision.”
Digvir Jayas, OC, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC
Blackfoot name: Ikkayiinnii “Fast Buffalo”
President & Vice-Chancellor
Engagement objectives
- All students, employees and the broader University community are invited to participate.
- The external community, including the Blackfoot Confederacy on whose traditional territory the University resides, are invited to participate.
- There are multiple ways to participate that are accessible and equitable, including both University of Lethbridge campuses.
- Data from engagement will be effectively analyzed and meaningfully inform the process.
- At the end of the process, individuals feel they have learned and contributed.
- Individuals feel a sense of pride and ownership in the strategic vision and plan.
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Engagement principles
The following principles will guide how we plan, communicate, and implement our engagement process:
- Flexibility and accessibility in how everyone can participate, providing multiple ways to provide input and insights.
- Transparency in how the feedback will be used to inform the Strategic, Academic, Research, and People Plans.
- Empathy in how we facilitate engagement activities, encouraging participants to think beyond their individual interests and understand the implications of the plans.
- Equity in hearing from groups who have not typically been represented in such engagement processes.
- Continuity and shared understanding in building upon past engagement processes at the University and working to bring everyone along in the conversation.
- Create processes that people enjoy, find interesting and relevant.
Constituents from across the University and the southern Alberta community will shape the University’s future.
Students are not just recipients of education; we are active contributors to our University community. Our perspectives and collective vision should shape the activities we undertake in the future to build a University experience that is academically enriching, supportive, inclusive and aligned with the needs of the diverse student body.
Maleeka Thomas
President, University of Lethbridge Students’ Union
Graduate students play an important role in many crucial facets of our university. This includes driving novel research, securing research funding for our institution, and supporting a variety of undergraduate programs and offices on campus through teaching and academic employment. To develop a prosperous and inclusive strategic plan to guide our institution into the future, consultation with our graduate student body will be essential. We look forward to being involved in this process.
Jaxon Reiter (BSc ’22)
President, Graduate Students’ Association
Faculty input will be vital in ensuring a successful strategic plan and our experience, insights, and perspectives will be invaluable in shaping the future of the University of Lethbridge. Input from our academic community will contribute to a plan that promotes on-campus academic excellence and student success, and through our outreach, teaching and research activities, engages the many communities we impact locally and around the globe.
Tracy Oosterbroek PhD, RN (BN ’95, MSc ’09)
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Lethbridge non-academic employees, whether in administrative, support or operational roles, work behind the scenes to ensure that everything functions seamlessly, from finance to facilities management, student services and beyond. We understand the intricacies of our roles, the needs of our colleagues, and the expectations of our students. Input from employees, regardless of our responsibilities, will be paramount for a successful strategic plan.
Nicole Bach (BSc ’19)
Planning Assistant, Campus Development
The University of Lethbridge has a deep commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples. One recent example of this commitment is the University becoming the first post-secondary signatory of the Buffalo Treaty with a focus on education, research and cooperation. The priority to have Indigenous world views interwoven into the Strategic Plan, as well as other institutional plans, is paramount in ensuring that the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives is done so in a holistic manner.
Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations
The success and vibrancy of our city is directly tied to the growth and development our post-secondary institutions. Our community’s collective voice was instrumental in establishing the University of Lethbridge 56 years ago and it is important now. Having our community share critical insights into this process will pave the way for a strategic plan that reflects the aspirations of our city, region and university.
Blaine Hyggen
Mayor of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is not just a place of higher learning; it is an integral part of our city's economic ecosystem. The decisions made by the University impact not only the education of our future workforce but also the economic development, innovation and prosperity of our community. I commend the University for taking such a thoughtful approach to their strategic planning process and for seeking the valuable input of local businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01)
CEO, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce