University prepares for the development of a new three-year Strategic Plan
(BRAMPTON/SAULT STE. MARIE/TIMMINS, ON – September 29, 2022): This evening, during their first full in-person meeting in over two years, the Algoma University Board of Governors received an update on refreshed branding intended to help position the University for continued growth and development. New messaging and creative campaigns have been introduced as the University commences fall recruitment efforts at the Ontario University Fair this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Board also received updates on other strategic initiatives, including establishing a new three-year strategic plan.
Asima Vezina, University President and Vice-Chancellor, expressed her gratitude to the entire Algoma University community for their valuable input in shaping new brand positioning. “After over a year of consulting a range of stakeholder groups, most importantly our students, we are excited to launch our refreshed branding,” noted Vezina. “Our community guided us in developing three pillars which make Algoma University unique and special – intimate and personal; cross-cultural leadership; and purpose-driven impact. I encourage everyone to think deeply about how these pillars contribute to the communities we serve while considering new opportunities to further embrace what is behind each pillar. The Thunderbird symbol continues to represent the heart of the Algoma University brand and reminds us of the critical connections and responsibilities we have to learn from and support Indigenous organizations and communities.”
This year will be marked by the creation of a new Strategic Plan that will guide the University beyond 2023. A steering committee, Co-Chaired by Dr. Michele Piercy Normore, Vice-President, Academic and Research and Dr. Sean Meades, a faculty member with the Community Economic and Social Development program, has been established to support the development process. Macphie, a firm specializing in strategic plan development, will facilitate the important effort. The University plans to commence stakeholder consultations in Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins shortly.
As part of her regular President’s Report, Vezina provided an overview of progress on core institutional priorities outlined within Algoma’s current strategic plan, which is set to expire in 2023. Of note, an update on strategic initiatives to support Anishinaabe Inendomowin highlighted new and ongoing strategic partnerships, recruitment and retention strategies, research activities and continued progress on key projects underway.
The Board also learned that based on preliminary registration data, Algoma is again anticipating record enrolment, supported by an intake of over 1700 new students this fall. With growth at the University’s campuses in Brampton and Sault Ste. Marie driving this trajectory, total enrolment for the academic year is projected to exceed 4400 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.
“The strategic initiatives and enrolment highlights shared with the Board this evening exemplify the continued positive outcomes brought upon by the tremendous work being done by the entire University community,” noted Mike Moraca, Board Chair. “Algoma’s success has an ever increasing impact on our students and the social and economic prosperity of the communities we operate in. Overall institutional pride and awareness will continue to build as we share our success with broader audiences, supported through the refreshed brand messaging as shared this evening.”
The Board was also apprised of plans underway to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30th. Commonly referred to as Orange Shirt Day, the day provides an opportunity to honour residential school Survivors and those who did not return home, while reflecting on the intergenerational impacts of the residential school era. “Given our Special Mission and the leadership role Algoma plays within the university sector, I encourage all members of the Board, along with our students, faculty, staff and the broader public to participate in the programming planned to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” shared Moraca.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors will take place on Thursday, November 24th, 2022.
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