Strategic Planning Process 2024-25
November 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.
The Strategic Planning Process (SPP) will be chaired by Dr. Ian Sutherland, President and Vice-Chancellor, and facilitated by a diverse and multifaceted team. This team will be formed in the coming weeks through an open call to the university community.
As part of this initiative, Dean of Libraries and Archives Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Craig Brett, professor of economics and secretary of senate, have been appointed as the strategic planning co-leads. They bring significant expertise and leadership to these important roles in guiding the process forward.
About the Strategic Planning Facilitation Team
Nominations were open for students, faculty, and staff from October 28 to November 8. We are currently reviewing the applications and will provide more information soon.
The Strategic Planning Facilitation Team will foster a collaborative and inclusive planning process grounded in Mount Allison’s mission, vision, and values. Working with the President (Chair), co-leads (Dr. Craig Brett & Dr. Rachel Rubin), and an expert consulting firm, the team’s key roles and responsibilities will include:
- Shaping understandings of the current realities and possible future scenarios of the higher education landscape
- Designing a ground up, engaging, participatory consultation process
- Facilitating discussions and workshops to gather input from the community
- Compiling and analysing consultation data
- Producing a “What We Heard” document
- Analyzing feedback and data to inform the strategy development process
- Seeking and working with feedback from across the university community
- Collaborating with team members to draft and refine strategic goals and initiatives
- Drafting the university’s new strategic plan
- Communicating progress and updates to the wider community
Time Commitment
It is anticipated that SPFT members will be engaged up to 2 hours per week, on average. This includes weekly team meetings. The nature of the strategic planning process and work will mean ebbs and flows in busyness. It is to be recognized, understood, and taken into account that team members will have differing availability and commitments throughout the strategic planning journey. That’s ok! The team will be attentive to the needs of members, and will comprise a critical mass so as to allow the sharing of workload in as equitable a manner as possible. Of course, the team will be supported by the resources of an external consulting firm as well as dedicated Mount Allison staff (administrative and communications).
Eligibility and Nomination Process
We invite nominations from students, faculty, and staff. Here’s what we are looking for in our team members:
- Passion for Mount Allison and its strategic directions
- Strong teamwork and listening skills
- Creativity and curiosity
- Openness to exploring wide variety of ideas, possibilities, and opportunities
- Strong interpersonal competencies and experience working with diverse groups
- Commitment to inclusivity and community engagement
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Experience with strategic planning would be of benefit
- Facilitation skills would be of benefit
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of the chair (Dr. Ian Sutherland, President and Vice-Chancellor) and co-leads (Dr. Rachel Rubin, dean of library and archives, and Dr. Craig Brett, economics professor and secretary of senate). Selected nominees may be contacted for an interview to further discuss their interest and fit for the team.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and participatory process, and we encourage applications from all segments of our community. Together, we can build a strategic plan that is both visionary and grounded in the diverse realities of our vibrant university life.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and working together to shape the future of our university!
Questions? Email strategicplan@mta.ca.
Strategic Planning Facilitation Team
- 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, Professor of Economics and Secretary of Senate
Nominations were open for students, faculty, and staff from October 28 to November 8. We are currently reviewing the applications and will provide more information soon.
Strategic planning process
| Phase Overview | Tactic |
|---|---|
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Phase 1: Pre-Planning |
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| Phase 2: Team selection |
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| Phase 3: Consultation |
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| Phase 4: Analysis & draft plan |
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| Phase 5: Approval |
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