‘Helps us make a decision’: University of Lethbridge launches new strategic plan

The University of Lethbridge released its updated strategic plan on Tuesday, after nearly two years of community engagement.

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — A new strategic plan for the University of Lethbridge is being described as a “collective vision” to guide the post-secondary institution through the next decade.

The document was released Tuesday, after nearly two years of engagement with internal and external stakeholders in hopes of strengthening the university’s role as a leader in education, research and economic development.

“We might need to make decisions on specific operation items, whether it’s a building or a program, and the strategic plan is an overall plan that helps us make a decision in terms of, ‘Does this fit with where we see ourselves wanting to go in the next 10 years or doesn’t it?’” explained Dean Gallimore, chair of the University of Lethbridge board of governors.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The plan defines the U of L, its values and commitment and sets the course for the next 10 years.

The document is broken down into four directions: challenge boundaries and inspire curiosity, be a place where people aspire to learn, work and contribute, shape the future and engage communities.

“The university’s focus has always been on creating an outstanding experience for students and this plan is no different. It’s focused on student success,” said Digvir Jayas, president and vice-chancellor of the U of L.

The directions incorporate what communities, both internal and external, believe the university excels at today and what it should aspire to be in the future.

“This strategic plan places an emphasis on how much research students – who are not only students, but undergraduate students – are able to do and able to accomplish and publish their research, which many other universities don’t necessarily offer that,” said Maleeka Thomas, president of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union.

More than 9,000 students enrolled at the U of L in September 2024.

The strategic plan committee spoke with 1,800 people over a two-year period to help compile the document.

“Indigenous people to alumni to students to faculty to other employees to the community, it was so interesting to see that wide group of people and allow them to have input into where we may be going in the future,” said Gallimore.

The university is the second-largest employer in Lethbridge. Those involved in the process say the new plan will be a key component for not only the institution but also surrounding stakeholders in the community.

“About 75 per cent of the students that come here are not from here, so we are attracting literally thousands of students to Lethbridge every year, and, of course, they’re renting apartments, they’re buying meals, they’re shopping for supplies, so that has an immediate economic impact,” said Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge.

“But for employers, one of the key things when an industry is looking to locate to Lethbridge – if someone wants to invest here or start a new business here – is the ability to find talent.”

The new strategic plan can be found on the university’s website.