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STRATEGIC PLAN2023-2026
MESSAGE FROM THE As we enter the next stage of Algoma University’s continued maturation and transformation, it has been important for us to engage our stakeholders in a conversation about preparing for the next chapter in the University’s evolution. You, our community, have encouraged our growth in research, programming and enrollment while holding tight to what makes Algoma unique: intimate and personal educational environments, cross-cultural learning and purpose-driven impact. As such, I am inspired by our new vision: leading meaningful change for generations to come. I’m grateful for the voices that contributed to building this Strategic Plan. You described what our Special Mission means to you, and where our focus should be for the next three years. We will continue to keep the university’s Special Mission at the heart of everything we do. From that fidelity comes big things — from our partnership with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association in the award-winning Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibit, to programs designed to increase pathways for local high school students to transition to university. It’s the reason we see our three campuses transforming through cross-cultural and Indigenous designs. It’s the driving force behind Makwa Waakaa’igan — a centre of excellence for cross-cultural learning.As we grow, we’re going to reinvest in even more new, innovative programs and impactful research, as guided by the mission, vision, values and priorities of our new Strategic Plan.We’re striving to equip students not only for career success, but also to emerge as thought leaders and change makers. More than ever before, we’re fostering a dynamic community of learners and researchers who are tackling global issues. I am excited to see an intense, interdisciplinary and community-integrated focus in areas such as peace processes, social equity projects, health, water protection and climate change. We’re also leading on equity and respect through concrete actions, including the implementation of the Algoma University Equity Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, and this document will guide our next steps.Thank you to the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, which included staff, faculty, Board of Governors members, deans, students, and members of the senior executive team. We are grateful to have had an Indigenous Advisory Committee, Indigenous colleagues and the Spiritual and Cultural Advisor to the University guide the process alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners and community members that provided insights.Our Strategic Plan is our guiding compass, and we’re excited to have you join us on this journey. We’re empowering the leaders of tomorrow. We’re bridging global divides. I’m excited to see this plan implemented, and I look forward to the impact it will have both on us and the world.Chi Miigwetch, Merci, Thank youAsima Vezina President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University2
The strategic planning process for Algoma University was driven by a Steering Committee composed of staff, faculty, board of governors, deans, students, and members of the Senior Executive Team. In addition, the process was guided by an Indigenous Advisory Committee and Spiritual and Cultural Advisor to the University. We are grateful for their guidance on the strategic planning process as we worked to ensure it was inclusive, culturally respectful, and reflective of the needs of Algoma University. Throughout the process, the University’s unique history and Special Mission were a cornerstone that helped to center and ground our work. With guidance from the committees listed above, comprehensive research was conducted across our campuses to inform the development of the strategic plan. This research included a visioning session with full-time faculty, an online survey, virtual and in-person learning circles, and virtual two-to-one conversations where insights from over 700 knowledge holders were gathered, including students, faculty and staff, members of the Board of Governors, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Partners and community members. This research was supplemented with an environmental scan and insights gathered from key internal documents. The result of this robust process was the creation of a comprehensive research report and draft strategic directions and priorities for Algoma University. Additional learning circles were facilitated with the Senate; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee; Research Advisory Committee; and Directors and Vice Presidents to validate and refine the draft strategic directions and priorities that emerged from consultations. Using the outputs from the comprehensive research process, the Board of Governors, Indigenous Advisory Committee, and Steering Committee embarked on an iterative decision-making process to align upon and refine the core elements of our strategic plan, including a refined common vision that captures what makes Algoma University special and sets us apart, and strategic direction and priorities that will guide the university over the next three years. 3
4 Gwekwaadiziwin HONESTY Dibadendizawin HUMILITY Debwewin TRUTH Nibwaakaawin WISDOM Zaagidiwin LOVE Mnaadendimowin RESPECT Aakodewewin BRAVERY VISIONLeading meaningful change for generations to come.Algoma University values respect, diversity, and adherence to academicfreedom.Algoma University values a supportive experiential learning environment.Algoma University values community partnerships and intercultural exchangeAlgoma University values excellence in scholarship, creative endeavours, and research.AlgomaUniversity values and integrates Anishinaabe and Indigenous worldviews.Algoma University values and responds to the unique context and developmental goals of each of its campuscommunities.Algoma University values the historical significance of the Shingwauk Site.(1) To cherish knowledge is to know WISDOM. (2) To know LOVE is to know peace. (3) To honour all of the Creation is to have RESPECT. (4) BRAVERY is to face the foe with integrity. (5) HONESTY in facing a situation is to be brave. (6) HUMILITY is to know yourself as a sacred part of the Creation. (7) TRUTH is to know all these things.The spirits taught the boy that for each gift there was an opposite, as evil is the opposite of good. He would have to be careful to instruct his people in the right way to use each gift.- The Mishomis Book by Edward Benton-Banai““
Algoma University Act, 2008 S.O. 2008, C. 13.The objects of the University are the pursuit of learning through scholarship, teaching, and research within a spirit of free enquiry and expression.It is the special mission of the University to,a) Be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and science and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a particular focus on the needs of Northern Ontario, andb) Cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal communities and other communities, in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.Leading meaningful change for generations to come.• Algoma University values respect, diversity, and adherence to academic freedom.• Algoma University values and responds to the unique context and developmental goals of each of its campus communities.• Algoma University values the historical significance of the Shingwauk Site.• Algoma University values a supportive experiential learning environment.• Algoma University values community partnerships and intercultural exchange.• Algoma University values excellence in scholarship, creative endeavours, and research.• Algoma University values and integrates Anishinaabe and Indigenous worldviews.The Seven Grandfather Teachings are commonly shared guiding principles of the Anishinaabe: Nibwaakaawin (wisdom), Zaagidiwin (love), Mnaadendimowin (respect), Aakodewewin (bravery), Gwekwaadiziwin (honesty), Dibadendizawin (humility) & Debwewin (truth).Throughout the strategic planning process, it has been abundantly clear that our values and the Seven Grandfather Teachings are deeply embedded in our University and the communities we interact with. Our values shape who we are and how we act - they are timeless and therefore have not been changed in this Strategic Plan.5
6 , “Before I came to Algoma, I was ignorant of colonization and the history and struggle of Indigenous people. I can now help because of my learning from Algoma University.”“We have a responsibility to take part in the process of reconciliation.” 6Our Special Mission’s commitment to cross-cultural learning between Anishinaabe communities and the world infuses every aspect of campus life.Although the Special Mission means something slightly different to each member of our community, this document represents a compilation of over 700 voices whom shared what the Special Mission means to them. We are grateful for these interpretations as we work to articulate our commitments to the Special Mission over the next three years.Throughout the strategic planning process, we heard from over 700 knowledge holders, and learned about what the Special Mission means to them: “The Special Mission means offering strong academic programs that appeal to local students and surrounding communities.”“Though deeply rooted in northern Ontario, our mission to serve community resonates across all the campuses of our university.”
1.1. Cultivate excellence through cross-cultural, equitable and engaging teaching, learning and research environments for all students.1.2. Develop compelling, future-focused programs and areas of research that are:• responsive to the interests of students and communities,• community-integrated; and• interdisciplinary.1.3. Foster and simplify means for connecting community and university partners. Lead Transformative, Cross-Cultural Learning in a Quality University Experience17
2.1. Grow and nurture strong and responsible relationships locally and globally based on the foundational values of respect, reciprocity, and relationality.2.2. Integrate and welcome diverse worldviews and cross-cultural perspectives into all aspects and areas of the university.2.3. Enhance effective communication and connectivity across campuses.2.4. Advance Indigenization and cross-cultural learning, within the spirit of our Special Mission.STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND PRIORITIESLearn From, In and With Community28
3.1. Celebrate and share Algoma University’s impact.3.2. Promote unity by articulating and representing the Special Mission in a way that resonates across campuses and in the communities we serve.3.3. Execute a comprehensive student enrolment strategy to ensure the prosperity and creativity of the University into the future.STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND PRIORITIESShare Our Stories: Past, Present and Future39
4.1. Invest in and refine our systems and processes to support growth and prioritize:• intimate and personal learning experiences,• cross-cultural leadership; and• purpose-driven impact.4.2. Implement the Algoma University Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan.4.3. Develop and implement a robust people and recruitment strategy with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.4.4. Continue to invest in student-centric infrastructure that provides supports for all learners.Continue to Build Inclusive and Inspiring Teaching, Learning, and Working EnvironmentsSTRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND PRIORITIES410
Innovative Intimate Impactful11
STRATEGIC PLAN2023-2026 Algoma UniversityBrampton | Sault Ste. Marie | Timminsalgomau.cainfo@algomau.ca1-888-Algoma-U