Dear members of our campus community:
In December 2012, I was pleased to share an update with you on UPEI’s Future Directions in which three key messages were highlighted:
- The first two phases of the Future Directions initiative were successfully completed by December, thanks to the input and engagement of our students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
- Phase 3 of Future Directions—the development of the draft Strategic Action Plan—would take place from December 2012 through March 2013 with the guidance of the Vice-Presidents.
- The continued input, engagement, and collaboration of our campus community would be needed to achieve transformation and meet the challenges that lay ahead.
At this time, I am pleased to report on further progress. A preliminary draft of the UPEI Strategic Action Plan has been developed, meeting our March deadline. This early draft remains a work in progress. By the end of this week, the collective feedback of our Vice-Presidents will be received and incorporated.
I am very encouraged by the strategic direction that is taking shape at this early stage of planning. Although still in development, a strong ‘back to basics’ strategy is emerging, focusing on academic excellence, enhancing the student experience UPEI offers, improving core services to students, and embracing a campus wide priority on recruitment and retention as a key to a sustainable future. When complete, the UPEI Strategic Action Plan will build upon the UPEI Vision Document developed in May 2012.
As we build for the future while managing the challenges of the day, the UPEI Strategic Action Plan will provide clarity, focus, and a shared sense of purpose and expectation regarding UPEI’s direction and growth. We are eager to share the draft plan with the campus community in the near future as the next step in achieving our vision to be a leader in delivering outstanding experiential learning opportunities that encourage our students to develop to their full potential in both the classroom and community.
Over the next several weeks, UPEI’s draft Strategic Action Plan will continue to be developed through a series of input meetings with UPEI’s Senior Management Group, the campus community, and the UPEI Board of Governors (as per the Board’s mandate to oversee the strategic direction of the University). It will be presented to Senate in June 2013 and the Board of Governors for adoption in September 2013.
On behalf of our campus community, I thank all those who continue to work together in the best interest of our students, campus, and communities to build a strong future for UPEI and those we serve.
Best wishes,
Alaa Abd-El-Aziz