CBU Launches Strategic Planning Process

Today, Monday, May 14, members of the Cape Breton University community gathered in the Boardmore Theatre for the official launch of a process for a strategic plan for the CBU. The event, led by President & Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall, provided an overview of the process, highlighting the many opportunities for engagement. Speakers called upon the entire university community to be active participants in this important exercise.

Stephen Augustine, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs & Unama’ki College welcomed the crowd with a traditional Mi’kmaw prayer, and expressed the importance of CBU maintaining one voice and one heart throughout this exciting process.

Faculty Advisor, Dr. Rod Nicholls likened the upcoming process to a spring cleaning for CBU. He noted that though it won’t happen overnight, this new direction will breathe new life into the university.

Next, Dr. Dale Keefe, Vice-President Academic & Provost, discussed the importance of the process and resulting plan to future academic planning for CBU. He encouraged the more than 200 people in attendance to envision Cape Breton University in 2024, emphasizing the importance of creating a plan that considers and reflects a variety of input. He noted that the strategic plan will provide a framework for the next five years, and, through the planning process, the campus community will come to understand how various units will contribute to its success.

Dr. Vielka Salazar, Co-Chair of the Steering Committee, told the crowd that we are in a process of reflection. She explained that the strategic planning process will roll out in two phases, the Consultation Phase beginning with today’s event, and the Drafting Phase to follow. Over the next few months, various consultations, boot camps, presentations and special events will be held in order to maximize the diversity of input.

President Dingwall addressed the crowd, explaining that the final strategic plan will consist of a short document with clear directives, a mission and vision statement and our values as a university. He encouraged everyone in the CBU community to embrace growth and innovation throughout this new journey we are on together and to remember the critical role CBU holds in communities across Cape Breton Island. “CBU is a symbol of hope and promise. I encourage you all to think big!,” says President Dingwall.

To keep informed about the process visit the strategic planning website. Stay connected using #CBU2024.

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