Updated May 14, 2010

Renewal of Trent University’s Strategic Plan

Through the 2009-10 academic year the Advisory Committee reviewed the existing strategic plan, examined Trent's recent performance, considered the University's current strengths and challenges, and assessed policy and market trends. It decided that the existing strategic plan (see link at right) should not only be updated, but made more clear, concise, and useable. Linked below is the interim version, endorsed by Senate at its meeting of May 11, 2010, along with a brief history and explanation. Please send your comments and suggestions to strategicdirections@trentu.ca.

2010/05/11 - Read Trent University's Revised Strategic Plan (Word doc)

Renewal of Trent University’s Mission

One of the tasks of the Strategic Directions Advisory Committee was to review Trent's mission statement and consider the need for its revision, then recommend a mission statement for the University. The Committee determined that there was a need to revise Trent's mission, especially in light of the new vision statement, and the input collected from the University community through the vision renewal process. A Mission Statement Working Group developed a draft, sought feedback from the Trent community, and proposed a new mission to Senate in April. Senate requested some changes and approved the following version on May 11, 2010.

Mission

Over the next five years, Trent University’s mission is to:

• Prepare students to make significant contributions to an increasingly complex world by providing them with a distinctive liberal arts, science or professionally focused education, which is enhanced by global perspectives, experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches to personal and professional development;
• Encourage and celebrate excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, research and student development;
• Remain at the forefront of Indigenous education and scholarship;
• Develop strong partnerships and collaborations with external communities, professions, and other institutions, as well as within our Colleges, departments, and programs;
• Foster sustainability, in its environmental, social and economic dimensions, on our campuses and in all aspects of our work;
• Promote a culture which engages all members of the Trent community, favours dialogue and collegiality, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

Approved by Senate May 11, 2010

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Briefing Note for the Strategic Directions Advisory Committee

Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor
August 17, 2009

Introduction

Strategic directions and mission flow from the fundamental principles and values evoked in a university vision. Typically, mission and direction together state institutional goals, objectives and targets, and guide planning and budgetary decisions. Mission statements and strategic directions serve to guide an institution to decide what will be done, how to achieve goals, and how to measure success. Many universities use an integrated planning process to ensure continuity between vision, mission and strategic directions. Some universities develop vision and then move smoothly to strategic directions and specific, usually integrated, planning processes. Others rely on the development of strategic directions to inform and help guide a vision process.

Trent University is charting a course for the future, and that future may be expressed in a renewed university vision statement. Trent University’s mission and strategic directions should then outline the pathways to that desired future. As part of the process to improve planning processes and outcomes immediately (this budget year) and in the longer term, a review of the current university mission and Strategic Directions to 2014 documentation is required.

Current Mission and Strategic Directions

The Strategic Directions to 2014 document was developed over a long period of time with wide consultation and reference to the changing environment of post-secondary education in Ontario. Trent University’s Mission Statement is:

Trent University aspires to be Canada's outstanding small university known for its commitment to liberal undergraduate education in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and to the centrality of the individual student. Within a collegial setting the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs, both traditional and interdisciplinary, which seek to advance learning through the creative interaction of teaching and research of the highest quality.

Challenge and Opportunity

Does Trent University’s Mission Statement and Strategic Directions to 2014 outline goals and objectives, actions and targets, that will lead Trent University to realize its vision? 

Should Trent’s Mission and Strategic Directions be restated?

Is it possible to use resources more effectively to clarify how we will fulfill our vision?

Are there specific recommendations that can be made to strengthen the Mission Statement and the Strategic Directions?