Community

As an institution, we have made a commitment to civic engagement and to serving communities locally and around the world. Our goal is to establish UVic as a recognized cornerstone of the community, committed to the sustainable social, cultural and economic development of our region and our nation. This entails furthering relationships with organizations and groups in the public, private and non-profit sectors locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Our faculty members engage in teaching, research and creative and professional activities that provide learning opportunities for students and members of the external community. Our students, staff and faculty contribute directly to the intellectual, social, cultural and economic development of society. Our alumni and retirees are important UVic ambassadors and contribute in many ways to communities across Canada and beyond.

Objective 28: To develop a framework and organizational mechanisms to support and advance civic engagement at UVic.

Key strategies:

1. establish a university-level civic engagement plan that integrates and supports the civic engagement efforts of individuals and units across campus.
2. implement a coordinated leadership and support structure for advancing and measuring UVic’s engagement in and with communities around the globe, supporting and coordinating best practices in this area.
3. enhance civic literacy and promote the value of civic engagement among our students, faculty and staff through our academic programs, community outreach and other activities.

Objective 29: To engage the community through programs and activities that meet the mandate of the university and the needs of the community.

Key strategies:

1. establish a single university entry point for community members and organizations to access UVic and for UVic faculty, staff and students to link effectively and efficiently with the community to facilitate enhanced collaboration.
2. engage community representatives in providing input on university-, faculty- and program-based civic engagement initiatives.
3. promote opportunities for community engagement in UVic research and teaching activities and in programs in academic units and build active research partnerships with individuals and groups in the community.

Objective 30: To strengthen community access to university programs, activities, facilities and knowledge.

Key strategies:

1. actively market and promote public lectures, workshops, fine and performing arts performances, and athletic programs and events to the local community.
2. develop new methods to enhance community members’ knowledge of and ability to participate in UVic activities via the Welcome Centre, way-finding and other initiatives.
3. encourage and support activities on campus that provide venues for community involvement and the exploration of community issues.
4. actively promote the outreach activities of faculties and the Division of Continuing Studies.
5. continue to provide programming downtown and look for opportunities to increase our presence through community partnerships.

Objective 31: To develop effective relationships with the diverse constituencies that make up our local, regional, national and international communities.

Key strategies:

1. increase UVic’s sense of community as well as external profile through developing a new communications strategy that highlights UVic’s strengths and creates awareness of the important contributions our university is making in addressing the key challenges facing our society and where UVic is providing regional, national or international leadership.
2. implement integrated and comprehensive community relations and civic engagement programs to promote interaction with local, regional and provincial municipalities and community organizations.
3. pursue collaborations with other educational institutions that align with our goals and meet the educational and research needs of the region, province and country.
4. enhance the strategic use of community sponsorships to support shared goals with local and regional not-for-profit agencies in social, cultural, economic, environmental and educational fields.