In March, 2024, Renison launched its new Strategic Plan, designed to lead the College through to the end of 2027.
Lead by the Turner Consulting Group, and approached through a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Renison’s process in developing this new plan was highly consultative in nature. The process began in October 2023 with the formation of a Steering Committee with representation from each sector of the Renison community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.
The framework of the Plan was built through a series of focus groups designed to reach all constituency groups. Students, faculty, staff and the Board of Governors each had dedicated focus groups; alumni were invited to attend in person and were also engaged through a variety of online opportunities. As early drafts of the plan were created, all constituency groups were invited to engage in the work and add comments, feedback and recommendations. Several community cafes were also hosted, allowing the entire Renison community to engage in person, or through online forms.
A desire to maintain a student-centred approach to our work is reflected in the Strategic Plan. The first priority itemized in the Plan is to continue to nurture transformative student leaders. This is an area in which Renison students have excelled over the years. Renison students and graduates are committed to making positive contributions to their communities and beyond; committing to continue this tradition and to put measures in place to gauge success was important to the committee.
We agreed on the need to demonstrate the value we place on the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our students, staff, and faculty. We have committed to cultivate a foundation of Indigenization and inclusion, diversity, and equity that is core to our curriculum, community expectations, policies, and practices. This priority will not only help us to meet the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but it will also help Renison move toward an environment in which everyone feels welcome, that they belong, and that they are able to contribute their best.
The committee understood that our community is what makes Renison strong. We therefore committed to continuing to foster positive living, learning, and working environments where all members of the Renison community share a sense of belonging and in which they are recognized, valued, and respected.
Ultimately, Renison is a community that fosters learning. We commit to investing in our unique educational programs in order to allow our student to develop the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to an everchanging world. Renison will continue to recruit, nurture, and retain diverse top-tier employees who are committed to offering adaptive education in rapidly changing local and global contexts.
Our final priority necessarily focuses on institutional sustainability. Like so many colleges and universities in Ontario, Renison is struggling financially and will need to develop creative means to meet our growing needs. Renison’s new Strategic Plan can be found in its entirety online: 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, including a downloadable pdf. Updates to the Strategic Plan will begin in January, 2025.
This is part of the 2024 Renison Reports publication. Return to the Renison Reports page for other articles.