Frequently Asked Questions

Why does UBC have a strategic plan, and what is it used for?

Shaping UBC’s Next Century guides the university’s decisions, actions and interactions in order to achieve our short- and long-term goals. The plan’s 20 strategies act as a roadmap, setting the stage for UBC’s future while promoting excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, inclusion, well-being and engagement.

Does the plan apply to the entire university?

UBC’s people live and work across British Columbia: at our two main campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, at our distributed learning sites in hospital and health care centres throughout the province, and at unique locations such as Robson Square and the UBC Learning Exchange. Shaping UBC’s Next Century guides and supports activities throughout our entire institution.

How does Shaping UBC’s Next Century relate to existing Faculty strategic plans and other mid-level institutional strategic plans, frameworks and/or action plans?

The great work done by UBC’s faculties and other units is the foundation on which the UBC strategic plan is built. The plan also provides connections across – and support for – the many strategic plans that articulate ambitions and guide activity across UBC.

To see how Shaping UBC’s Next Century is being brought to life across the university, visit our list of Plans and Frameworks across UBC.

How was the content and direction of Shaping UBC’s Next Century determined?

Over the course of 2017, broad consultations were done with members of the UBC community and external partners to help shape the framework and priorities that form the foundation of the strategic plan.

Consultation included online surveys, open house events, discussion with multiple groups on campus and beyond, the establishment of a steering committee – made up of UBC faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members – and dialogue with Deans and other university leaders. Representative working groups were also created to substantiate the plan through strategies attached to each core area.

The strategic plan refers to themes and core areas, what do these mean?

The themes and core areas are key components of the plan’s foundations. The themes are embedded in everything UBC does, and represent key opportunities for the university to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to inclusivity, collaboration and innovation.

Our work as a public university is represented by four core areas: People and Places, Research Excellence, Transformative Learning and Local and Global Engagement. These core areas form the building blocks for our continued success, and guide how key initiatives are prioritized across the university.

The various elements of the plan and how they interact are summarized in this graphic.

How do the strategies fit within the plan?

Shaping UBC’s Next Century outlines 20 individual strategies, each of which has been informed by the themes and core areas. The strategies are grouped according to their related core area and we have been working to translate these strategies into tangible and concrete actions that will bring positive change. You can learn more about some of the initiatives taking place across the university by visiting Our Plan in Action.

How can I get involved with initiatives in support of the strategic plan?

Whether it’s sharing our stories through your networks, participating in a call for proposals, attending one of the many consultation workshops that are held across campus, or simply supporting the strategic plan of your Faculty or unit – there are many ways to engage with Shaping UBC’s Next Century.   

If you are a member of the UBC community currently involved in an initiative that supports the strategic plan, please email us to share your story. We regularly feature stories from across the university on Our Plan in Action page.