Nipissing University launches strategic plan
In a unanimous vote at their December meeting, Nipissing University’s Board of Governors approved the university’s new strategic plan, Academic Excellence: The Strategic Plan 2010-2015.
“Building this plan has been an exciting process. Over the past year, several hundred people, in mixed groups of stakeholders, students, faculty, staff, alumni and other friends of the university have discussed and articulated key objectives in terms of the broad elements of People, Programs, Research and Resources. This plan, developed by the Nipissing community, will guide our decisions over the next five years and beyond,” said Lesley Lovett-Doust, Nipissing University president and vice-chancellor.
The plan outlines a fresh vision statement, mission and goals. Nipissing plans to grow by about 50 per cent, launching some new programs that respond to regional opportunities and student demand. Changes will be framed by a modular curriculum, where students can combine components from different disciplines to best match their interests, aptitudes and career goals. “The key to Nipissing’s success,” says Lovett-Doust, “is our emphasis on having teacher-scholars in the classroom, and engaging students in the Nipissing experience. This includes early opportunities for undergraduate research, working with professors and graduate students, professional placements, and cultural literacy and exchanges.”
Board Chair Peter Gavan added, “Nipissing is building on the foundation of being a strong, young regional university with century-old roots in teacher education, to encompass education in its larger sense. With the launch of the Centre for Flexible Learning, associated with the recognition of the new Schulich School of Education, Nipissing is inventing a new approach to lifelong learning and access to educational opportunities, especially for learners who have not in the past been able to earn a university degree. The Centre for Flexible Learning will also be developing a master’s program in Higher Education that will be an excellent background for those who plan to teach in colleges and universities.”
The Nipissing Strategic Plan is described as a “living document”; the president will report annually on the progress being achieved on the strategic plan and as strategic objectives are achieved, there will be regular opportunities to identify and prioritize additional objectives.