Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning Process 2024-25

December 17, 2024

Over the next year, the University will embark on an exciting, collaborative journey to create Mount Allison’s new strategic plan. This plan will guide the university toward our third century of excellence and impact.

Strategic Planning Highlights for 2024

Appointed two strategic planning co-leads:
- Dr. Rachel Rubin, Dean of Libraries and Archives
- Dr. Craig Brett ('91), Professor of Economics and Secretary of Senate
Recently appointed the Strategic Planning Facilitation Team (SPFT) composed of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Regents. Their skills and insights will be instrumental in guiding the strategic planning process and bringing the diverse talents that make up our University community.
Partnered with Academica Group to help support and guide the planning process.

Looking Ahead to 2025

In January, the facilitation team will hold its first meeting to begin their work. They will be planning the consultation phases and working to bring the whole University together, gathering your input, ideas, concerns, and visions for our collective, successful future. This will include a myriad of exciting opportunities for all members of the University community to participate, including focus groups, consultations, surveys, and more. Your perspectives matter and your feedback is vital to the success of the planning process.

Strategic Planning Facilitation Team (SPFT)

The SPFT members represent a wide range of expertise, perspectives, experiences, and diverse talents that reflect the rich tapestry of our University community. Their combined skills and insights will be instrumental in guiding the strategic planning process.

SPFT members are:

Andrea Morash (‘05) – Faculty of Science, Biology
Caitlin McLaughlin – Faculty of Social Science, Commerce
Beth Jewett – Director of Extended Learning; Faculty of Arts, Canadian Studies
Cassie Rodriguez – Staff, Student Life
Emily Sanford – Staff, Experiential Learning & Career Development
Bently Huffington – Student, Biology, Commerce
Nate Lesser – Student, Biology, Data Science
Lakshmi Koduvelil Sayan – Student, Commerce
Tanya Hage Coburn (‘06) – Alumni
Logan Reid (‘23) – Alumni
Lisa Yarmoshuk (‘88) – Board of Regents
Paul Henry (‘85) – Board of Regents
Chair of Process, Dr. Ian Sutherland, President and Vice-Chancellor
Team Co-Lead, Dr. Rachel Rubin, Dean of Libraries and Archives
Team Co-Lead, Dr. Craig Brett ('91), Professor of Economics and Secretary of Senate

The team will help develop a strategic plan that will shape Mount Allison’s future. This 8–12-month journey will be built from the ground up, using highly consultative and iterative methods and incorporating feedback from the University community.

Strategic planning process overview

Phase 1: Pre Planning

Draft Strategic Planning Process
Review and approval from the Board of Regents and Senate

Phase 2: Team selection

Finalize Strategic Planning Facilitation Team (SPFT) membership
Establish team principles and values
Overview of scope of work, deliverables, timelines
Establish standing meetings, roles, and responsibilities

Phase 3: Consultation

SPFT, in collaboration with Academica Group consulting firm, to develop reports on current and future trends
Facilitate University-wide sessions based on reports, seeding strategic conversations

Phase 4: Analysis & draft plan

SPFT, in collaboration with Academica Group consulting firm, to design a consultation process and assets
Conduct consultation with key community members
Analyze and draft the initial strategy

Phase 5: Approval

Completion of the plan. Seek endorsement of Senate and final approval, Board of Regents.