Engagements and initiatives

It is with great sadness that I am writing to share the news that Howard E. Petch, former President of the University of Victoria, passed away on November 26, 2018.

Feb. 14, 2018 — I want to acknowledge and recognize the expressions of concern and distress from many members of the University of Victoria community and across the country over the circumstances around the death of Colten Boushie and its aftermath. On behalf of the University of Victoria, I support the Universities Canada statement below.

June 1, 2018 — The University of Victoria's new Strategic Framework 2018-2023 articulates our shared understanding of our vision, values and priorities. It positions and inspires us to apply our commitment to excellence in research and creative activity, teaching, service and engagement to serve students, communities and the world. The Strategic Framework will serve as a guide to the future—setting out priorities and high-reaching goals in six key areas.

Nov. 16, 2017 — The Fall 2017 strategic planning engagement update outlines the planning activities and reports on what we have heard so far from the UVic community during phase 1 of consultations on the strategic plan.

Nov. 7, 2017 — On Monday, Sept. 18, I communicated to the university community my concerns about an offensive social media post targeting Indigenous people that had appeared over the weekend, and indicated that an investigation into the matter would be initiated. That investigation has now concluded.

Nov. 3, 2017 — You may have seen in the media yesterday information about an incident in which a number of anti-Semitic posters were put up in the Cornett Building on Oct. 18. Although the posters were taken down immediately, this incident reminds us that racism and discrimination of many forms exist and must be addressed on this campus, as in society as a whole.

Oct. 2017 — One year after the launch of UVic's International Plan, a UVic delegation led by President Jamie Cassels is departing today for Vietnam and China. The official visit to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai this month will help accelerate the momentum of internationalization at UVic.

Sept. 18, 2017 — On Saturday, Sept. 16, the university was made aware of an offensive, racist posting on social media that targeted Indigenous people. The post appeared to involve members of the campus community. We began looking into the incident that same afternoon.