The following is an open letter from Dr. Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor
Dear colleagues,
This communique is the Call for Nominations to the Strategic Priorities Advisory Committee. (See the NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY link located near the end of this message.)
Dr. Alan Shaver
September is a traditional time of ‘beginnings’ at Canadian Universities. This year, something new and quite significant will be added to TRU’s roster. Starting now, and extending through the fall semester, I will be leading a comprehensive conversation to develop the Strategic Priorities for Thompson Rivers University for the next five years. I am writing now to inform you about the process and to invite you to be part of it.
BACKGROUND
First, some context: TRU’s previous strategic plan – “The University of Choice” – spanned the period of 2007–2012. This plan did much to influence and entrench some of the core strengths and practices that distinguish TRU today. Our next Strategic Priorities will raise our sights as we continue to be a unique and important University. These Strategic Priorities will also provide an overarching institutional context for many other plans that are already or soon will be in place – such as the Academic Plan, the Strategic Research Plan and the Campus Master Plan. As well, the launch of the Strategic Priorities will inform a new institutional brand, which will emerge from the insights and direction of the Strategic Priorities.
SHAPING THE PRIORITIES
Our renewed Strategic Priorities will be shaped by TRU students, faculty, staff and members of the communities we serve. They will be based on input and insight from all of our stakeholders, emerging from extensive consultation over the course of the semester. Consultation will occur face to face, at a distance and through a blend of both – exactly like our programs. There will certainly be many conversations at committee and council meetings, Town Halls and other gatherings. In keeping with TRU tradition, this process will have some innovative facets to it. We will also integrate various online and social media channels, so dialogue can begin with one person and be picked up by another, start at a distance and continue in person (or the reverse) – and always be transparent and visible to all.
LAUNCHING THE PRIORITIES
My goal is to complete the new Strategic Priorities by December 31, 2013 and to launch them (regionally, nationally and worldwide) in January 2014. In light of this schedule, a broadly based Strategic Priorities Advisory Committee will be set up in the next few weeks. I have asked the Senate Steering Committee to help me put together the Committee and to ensure that it reflects the diversity of our student, faculty, staff and community populations.
NOMINATE SOMEONE OR NOMINATE YOURSELF
I invite you to submit nominations including self-nominations to the Strategic Priorities Advisory Committee before Friday, Sept. 13, 2013.
»»» DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION FORM
I look forward to talking with you during the coming Strategic Priorities consultations.
Alan Shaver
President and Vice-Chancellor
Thompson Rivers University
Phone: 250-828-5001
Email: president@tru.ca
