Strategic planning at the University of Victoria
This plan is the result of a review and renewal process, led by the Planning and Priorities Committee, that engaged both the university and the broader community. The process started with an analysis of UVic’s achievements under the 2007 plan and of the changes in the external environment. Thus, in January 2011, a Progress Report on the Implementation of the Strategic Plan, A Vision for the Future — Building on Strength and Renewing the Vision — A discussion document for the review and renewal of the strategic plan were published.
The consultations and discussions that followed enjoyed a high level of engagement with over 70 sessions held on and off campus. During the consultations, strategic issues were considered and input and feedback were provided. It soon became clear that there was convergence of ideas and an emerging consensus.
The consensus was that strategic planning at UVic has been quite successful. This was attributed to a number of factors. First of all, it was observed that the previous plan was neither so general as to be meaningless nor so specific as to be alienating. There was also appreciation for the flexibility it offered and for the explicit recognition of the diversity among the different departments, Faculties, centres and disciplines and approaches. The plan had not “chosen winners,” but instead defined criteria for identifying areas of strength.
There was also a clear understanding that the successful development of the university depends on initiatives that are centrally taken, as well as on other initiatives — often the more comprehensive and complex ones — that can only happen and be successful through the engagement and commitment of many individuals and units. The inherent tension between central and decentralized action is not only recognized, but valued. Concrete examples of successful strategic planning outcomes include: a generalized and shared commitment to excellence; the recognition that UVic is and will need to remain a “destination university”; significant growth in graduate programming and research; the completion of the First Peoples House; a great increase in the number of Indigenous students enrolled; and many more.
The emerging consensus is also shaping our outlook towards the future. Given the changes in the external environment and the successes achieved, there is a realization that we will need to accomplish our goals in a different way. In the ever-more competitive environment and with fiscal constraints, there will be a need for greater flexibility and nimbleness, as well as for better deployment and greater optimization of resources and renewed emphasis on communicating UVic’s strengths and characteristics.