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 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.
Questions? Email strategicplan@mta.ca.