As we approach the start of a new academic year with optimism and excitement, I am writing to connect on some of the organizational changes that have occurred over the past few months while providing an important update as we look ahead to a new era of significant growth, bold new strategies and big dreams.
This past spring we adopted two important documents that will guide our growth and success over the short and long term.
The 2022-2023 Business Plan and Budget was highlighted by significant investments in our people, and the record hiring of faculty, counsellors, support and administrative staff began in earnest over the summer months and will continue over the course of the Fall term and into 2023.
In April we launched our new Strategic Plan, which responds to a truly unique postsecondary environment with clear, connected areas of focus for the next five years: a wholistic student experience; academic excellence; global reach; alumni and partner engagement; social inclusion and environmental sustainability; and operational excellence.
We immediately began to put this plan into action and over the past few months we have implemented important organizational changes designed to support these areas of focus:
- In May, Vice President, Student Affairs Rick Anderson shared a realignment of functions within the division to better support a wholistic student experience. This includes the new department of Athletics and Student Engagement, and the rebalancing of the Student Services portfolio into Student Services and Wellness, and Libraries and Academic Support Services.
- In June, Senior Vice President, College Operations Pam Skinner announced the restructuring of Facilities Management Services into two departments: Planning, Sustainability and Capital Projects, and Facilities Management and Campus Safety. These changes directly support key action items identified in the Strategic Plan, including the creation of vibrant learning and living spaces, the development of a culture of sustainability, and the evolution of our campus operations and services to meet the needs of students now and in the future.
- Earlier this month, Vice President, Academic Fiona Allan announced the creation of the new Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Division, with the School of Culinary Arts and School of Wine Beer and Spirits replacing the former Canadian Food and Wine Institute. These changes also include the introduction of a new academic-focused foodservice model for Benchmark.
Our future plans are bold and ambitious, including significant growth, new programs, facilities and learning spaces – including an updated Master Plan, as we review the previous plan through the lens of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and new college leadership. The success of these plans requires robust engagement with our community, donors and our 100,000+ alumni, and funds and resources to support growth, campus transformation and student success.
To lead this, I am announcing the creation of the Vice President, Advancement position. The Vice President, Advancement will be responsible for significantly growing the College’s endowments and raising funds in support of our students and learning environments, including new and renovated facilities at both campuses, along with enhanced alumni and partner engagement – key areas of focus in our new Strategic Plan. Recruitment for this position will begin shortly, and the new Advancement portfolio will bring together Development and Alumni Relations and Communications. In addition, Carly Root will move from the President’s Office to the new Advancement portfolio, to lead a new department focused on key stakeholder events and engagement.
Additionally, to bolster our evidence-based decision making related to student programs, services and facilities, as well as strategic enrolment management efforts, Planning and Institutional Research will move from Research and External Relations to Student Affairs at the start of the Fall term.
Dr. Marc Nantel with continue to lead our nationally recognized Research & Innovation division, as part of a new portfolio of Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises. This new structure will support a renewed focus on entrepreneurship, enhanced government relations, growth of our acclaimed learning enterprises, and development of strategic public partnerships.
I, along with other members of the executive team, will continue to provide timely updates as we move forward with changes and additional investments in alignment with our Strategic Plan.
I hope you are enjoying the final weeks of summer and, like me, are excited and energized for the start of a new term. I look forward to seeing all of you – virtually and/or in person, at our LauNCh event on Wednesday, August 31.
