Did mâmawohkamâtowin serve its purpose?

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Farewell, my old plan. / Haley Klassen

Farewell, my old plan. / Haley Klassen

An analysis and examination of the old plan

In 2008, a new strategic plan was adopted to guide the U of R from 2009-2014. After five years, mâmawohkamâtowin: Our Work, Our People, Our Communities is being replaced.

In 2008, the University of Regina’s board of governors accepted a term of reference for the new strategic plan. After multiple meetings and responses from faculty and staff, students, alumni, administrators, government officials and professional organizations, the board of governors accepted the new strategic plan in July of 2009.

Close to completing its term this year, a new strategic plan has been proposed. The goals of this new strategic plan are stated on the University of Regina website: “[to] unite the University community including [the] students and alumni, faculty and staff, build campus spirit and collegiality, and foster a renewed sense of commitment to institutional goals.”

The U of R is discussing and planning to launch a new strategic plan that would replace the old one. The U of R is undergoing some crucial changes that are important both for students and staff to be aware of. Both staff and student response to this matter is fundamental. It is to ensure that the best interests of the affected members are served.

In a nutshell, the old strategic plan sought to make the University known and acknowledged nationally and internationally, to increase the number of Aboriginal students attending post-secondary institutions, to provide more funding for research to undergraduate and graduate students, and to strengthen partnership with other external and internal stakeholders.

In terms of accomplishments, student enrollment has increased drastically with 14,000 students starting classes in the fall semester, according to the U of R’s 2014 Environmental Scan.

The University has also instituted other student programs, which helps the institution’s reputation externally.

“There’s one thing making the University of Regina known nationally… the UR-Guaranteed program”, said Vice-President and Provost Dr. Thomas Chase.

There are approximately 1,300 students currently enrolled in the UR-Guaranteed program. Additionally, the U of R won its first Vanier Award, making it one of the most prestigious national awards in U of R history.

“Another thing that has helped build our university both nationally and internationally is the work of our recipients. Looking across Canada, the work done by any number of scholars or graduate students on campus, it has both national and international impact,” said Dr. Chase. “Over the last five years, our faculties, researchers, alumni, staff, and our students are really helping to boost the profile of the university”.

Though the old strategic plan has made many great accomplishments, there is room for improvement. When asked what additional areas need to be improved, Dr. Chase said “the relations between university and partner institutional development.”

Those include the two federated colleges as well as the First Nations University. Dr. Chase also added that “building a good relationship with the First Nations University” is a necessary and the U of R should continue to pursue that.

As for what will carry over to or be new to the new plan, no one is quite sure yet during the consultation process. For more on the new plan, see the article above.

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