Laurier announces five-year strategy outlining aspirations for university

June 7, 2019
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University has released its five-year strategy, “Laurier Strategy: 2019-2024. Today. Tomorrow. Together.” following unanimous approval from the university’s Senate May 22 and the university’s Board of Governors June 6. The strategy positions Laurier to address societal challenges and harness opportunities by leveraging the university’s foundational strengths in academic excellence, research, partnerships and community.

The strategy addresses the complex and interdependent cultural, social, economic and environmental challenges of the coming decade and focuses on preparing students and supporting employees to be engaged and aware global citizens who are adaptable and community-minded.

“The Laurier strategy sets a direction that defines who we are, where we are headed and how we will move forward together,” said Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s president and vice-chancellor, who led the strategic planning process. “It is through the quality and engagement of Laurier’s people that we will address the needs of our changing society with institutional innovation, strength and vision.”

The strategy focuses on two distinct themes: thriving community and future-readiness.

As a thriving community, the university excels at creating a culture of engagement that develops the whole person and builds reciprocal community relationships, through sub-themes of enriching partnerships, inclusive community, Indigeneity, intellectual climate and internationalization.

Future-readiness highlights the university’s role in preparing people for whatever challenges the future brings through sub-themes of credential innovation (offering a range of credentials to enhance learning at different life stages), enduring skills, engaged research, experiential learning and sustainability. 

The strategy’s mission and themes provide a high-level guide for all areas of the university to develop unit-level plans and set priorities.

Development of the strategy was informed by research and extensive in-person and online consultations. The consultations resulted in input from thousands of people, including Laurier faculty, staff and students, as well as university alumni and community stakeholders.

“The Laurier community was highly engaged in informing our strategic direction,” said MacLatchy. “This strategy reflects our collective ambitions and aspirations to develop our multi-campus, comprehensive university, enhance our community, government and industry partnerships, and preserve Laurier’s unique character.”

Read “Laurier Strategy: 2019-2024. Today. Tomorrow. Together.” The plan will be formally launched in the fall. 

Laurier welcomes inquiries from community members and organizations regarding opportunities to partner on various aspects of the strategy.