Last month, the Faculty of Arts launched the second-to-final draft of its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan — closing a lengthy community consultation process and formalizing the goals and vision of the faculty.
Described in the launch-day version as “reaffirming [the faculty’s] dedication to academic freedom, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence,” the Arts Strategic Plan defines which values are to be prioritized within the faculty’s culture and organization throughout the next five years.
Presented on May 14 at the Chan Centre by Dean of Arts Clare Haru Crowston, the launch broke down the plan, summarized its development and looked forward toward what’s next for the faculty. The ceremony closed with a Q&A session moderated by Director of the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media Kamal Al-Solaylee.
A recording of the event was uploaded to the faculty's website on May 22.
According to a report published by the faculty, planning work began in October 2023 to replace its previous strategic plan set to expire in 2024. Input was gathered from students, staff and other members of the Arts community between February to April 2024, including on how equity and reconciliation efforts should be incorporated into the initiative.
Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) President Sarah Wong praised the effort made in engaging with students.
“It's super impressive, the way that they consulted … different communities and different groups. I think it really shows through the goals and commitments demonstrated in the plan,” said Wong in an interview with The Ubyssey.
The Ubyssey also requested an interview with Haru Crowston but she was not available for comments.
Following the feedback of over 600 participants, responses were analyzed and discussed during the development phase. Further consultation with the Shaping UBC’s Next Century plan, the Musqueam Indian Band and alumni was conducted before moving to the drafting phase.
So, what is in store for UBC’s largest faculty?
The draft plan identifies five strategic directions: "excelling in research and creative practice, advancing transformative education, engaging communities for greater impact, generating sustainable futures [and] integrating digital innovation." The general categories are divided into specific goals and further into action items.
Establishing a student and faculty advisory committee on digital strategy and resource allocation is included as an action item, along with tracking progress made toward UBC's Climate Action Plan 2030 and exploring work-integrated learning with climate justice partners among others.
Commitments to equity were also emphasized across its goals, including the broad priority to “implement initiatives and programs to cultivate a culture of wellbeing and work-life balance.”
Following the May 14 launch, the process entered its implementation phase where concluding amendments will be added. The final version is then to be released in Fall 2025.
“The AUS will definitely take note from this plan. I think we share a lot of the same goals and commitments,” said Wong, continuing that “students will hopefully feel and see changes within the next year.”
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