As new students packed the Duckworth Centre for Orientation on September 3, the University of Winnipeg kicked off a new year already marked by strong progress toward its strategic goals.
The University’s five-year strategic plan, Meeting the Moment, is approaching its second year with work underway across its five pillars: Academic Excellence, Transformational Research, Indigenous Excellence, Community Engagement, and Campus Revitalization. While projects from throughout the University have advanced strategic goals across all five pillars, the start of the new academic year highlights several in particular:
Indigenous Excellence and a diverse student population
UWinnipeg is starting the new term with a diverse class of incoming students and strong progress on its Indigenous Excellence and Academic Excellence strategic pillars. The number of new Indigenous students has significantly increased for a second straight year. UWinnipeg has over 1,100 Indigenous students from throughout Manitoba, making up 13% of its total student population.
In line with this Indigenous Excellence focus, a major initiative is launching this fall to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of UWinnipeg’s Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR). UWinnipeg was one of the first post-secondary institutions in North America to ensure all students learn about Indigenous peoples as part of their degree. Dr. Mary Jane McCallum and the UWinnipeg Archives are leading a special project, the Indigenous Course Requirement Collection, to document and preserve the history of the ICR. More information about this project can be found by visiting the UWinnipeg news centre.
UWinnipeg has also begun the new year with a new Indigenous Academic Advisory Lead. Dr. Alex Wilson has been appointed to the role and will work to advance and support Indigenous scholarship at UWinnipeg. Dr. Wilson is widely respected for her contributions to building and sharing knowledge about two spirit identity, history and teachings, Indigenous research methodologies, and the prevention of violence in the lives of Indigenous people.
Strengthening the student experience
Ensuring students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed is key focus of the Strategic Plan’s Academic Excellence pillar.
In late September, UWinnipeg will launch its new Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan. Led by Dr. Pavlina Radia, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and the SEM Steering Committee consisting of faculty, student, and staff, the plan will help the University better understand and respond to the needs of Manitoba’s diverse student population.
Developed over the past year through extensive engagement, consultations, and research, the plan will ensure the academic programs and student experience UWinnipeg provides continue to foster transformative education and enhance the province’s social and economic wellbeing.
“This plan has brought our UWinnipeg faculty, staff, and students together. Student-centred and approved by both the Senate and the Board of Regents, it represents an incredible amount of dedication, engagement, expertise, and insights from across our community,” said Dr. Radia. “It is grounded in data and shaped by a diversity of perspectives. We are very excited about its upcoming launch, and we look forward to seeing its positive and transformative impact across the University.”
Also launching with the start of the new fall term is a new initiative to elevate the faculty and student experience at UWinnipeg—the Teaching and Learning Communities of Practice Hub. The Hub will provide specialized support and resources for instructors and help advance teaching and learning across the University.
A long-term vision for campus and downtown Winnipeg
Another initiative underway this fall is the Campus Master Plan, a key part of the Strategic Plan’s Campus Revitalization pillar. This plan will establish a long-term vision for how UWinnipeg’s campus can best serve students, support the future of the University, and strengthen its contribution to downtown Winnipeg.
The University’s previous plan, developed in 2007, guided much of the growth that benefits students and the surrounding community today—such as the Axworthy Health and RecPlex, a facility used by 34 community groups and visited by more than 700 community members each week.
UWinnipeg is already an important part of the downtown community, with thousands of students coming to campus each day and a range of programs, events, and activities that bring community members of all ages to campus. The Campus Master Plan will look at how the University can build on that role and have an even greater impact as part of a thriving downtown.
“I had the opportunity to be part of the previous plan, and I saw firsthand how a thoughtful, long-term vision can shape a campus over time,” said Dr. Jino Distasio, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “Now is the right time to look at our campus with fresh eyes and think strategically about how our physical presence in the downtown can create an even stronger experience for our students and the surrounding community.”
