WHY WE STRATEGIC PLAN
In today’s rapidly changing world, institutions like ours must have a clear and forward-thinking strategic plan. Strategic planning helps us navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and stay true to our core mission. It’s a way for us to align resources, energy, and efforts toward shared goals, ensuring that we’re not just reacting to changes but actively shaping the future we want to see. By planning thoughtfully, we can continue to innovate, lead and make a meaningful impact on the world around us.
WHY WE ARE CREATING THIS PLAN
Over the past year, we’ve closely engaged with our community—students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and alumni. Their invaluable insights have underscored one clear fact: our Faculty’s strengths are unparalleled. Our core principles of experiential education via our award-winning co-op program, research excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit are the bedrock of our identity. These values continue to shape our reputation as a global leader, attracting bright and ambitious minds eager to make a difference.
Reflecting on the achievements of our last fiveyear plan – from new opportunities for graduate studies and world-class research facilities to a stronger sense of community (all while navigating a pandemic!) – we are inspired to envision how we can further build on our historical excellence while addressing the needs of the future. With the Waterloo at 100 strategic framework as our guide, I’m confident that our talented students, faculty and researchers are not just capable but ideally situated to solve our world’s most urgent societal, health, sustainability, technological, and economic needs.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
I’m delighted to introduce “Where Excellence Thrives”, our strategic vision for 2025-2030. Rooted in the strength of our diverse community, this plan focuses on the core elements that fuel our global leadership in teaching and research. More than a guide, its an inspiring reflection of our collective vision and values – community, responsibility, innovation, and excellence. What we do now matters. By committing to this strategic vision, we will equip our graduates, faculty, staff, and researchers to lead the way in a rapidly changing world, empowering them to make a lasting, positive impact on the future.
Mary Wells, Dean of Waterloo Engineering