Strategic Directions for Western: Our Academic Vision and Emerging Issues

The first Leaders' Forum of 2005/06 focused on the future and the work of creating new strategic directions for Western. Over 200 faculty and staff leaders heard updates on the planning involved in creating Western's new strategic plan. Providing presentations were:

• Paul Davenport (President and Vice-Chancellor)
• Gitta Kulczycki (VP Resources and Operations)
• Fred Longstaffe (Provost and VP Academic)
• Ted Hewitt (VP Research and International Relations)

To read the complete power point presentation. (Launch presentation as Flash or download as Power Point)

Key themes identified for enhancing Western's academic focus include:

A. Intensifying our research agenda:

• continue to recruit and retain faculty who excel in both teaching and research
• identify research strengths relative to other universities
• provide high quality space and support for research

B. Increasing our graduate student complement:

• enhance focus on graduate student experience

C. Responding to new student needs:

• focus on outstanding teaching, student services and strong relations between students, faculty and staff
• enhance international focus and content

D. Measuring progress:

• increase in government funding includes expectations of increased accountability

E: Addressing space needs:

• develop a comprehensive space proposal in the strategic planning document
• ensure space for expanding number of graduate students and research initiatives

At this Leaders' Forum many questions about strategic planning were generated through table discussions. Responses to these questions will be posted at this Leader's Digest site.