Academic plan kicks off with consultations this fall

It is my pleasure to share that the planning process for our 2025-2030 academic plan is officially underway. When I stepped into the role of Provost and Vice-President, Academic last spring, I knew the academic plan would be an incredible chance to contribute to the university. I could not be more energized and excited to get started.

The 2020-25 academic plan articulated our commitment to TMU’s evolution and set the stage for extraordinary transformation. Since it was released, the university has launched the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, founded the Black Scholarship Institute, pivoted to virtual classroom delivery throughout a lengthy and challenging pandemic, started the accreditation process for our new school of medicine and of course, changed our name. 

Throughout each milestone, I have been consistently inspired by the way our community comes together to fulfill our goals on the issues that matter. The greatest strength of our institution is our ability to collaborate. Together, we disrupt patterns, work through challenges and achieve the learning and innovation that comes only from gaining an appreciation of different perspectives.

Now we are going to take this collaboration even further, to build consensus on the objectives for our next academic plan. Our work will enhance and enrich our learning and teaching, scholarly, research and creative activities, and grow our reputation. This is a critical undertaking that I look forward to working on with all of you. 

• Phase 1 of the process will include initial consultations and conversations with stakeholders from across the university. We will assess the values and priorities of the current academic plan, evaluate what worked, and what we can do better. Following these sessions a draft plan will be developed. 

• Phase 2 will see the draft plan circulated among the community and another series of consultations and town halls will be held. This phase will also focus on identifying the strategies, actions and resources that will be needed to implement the plan.

These engagement activities will be an opportunity to reflect on how to advance our academic plan to respond to the needs of our current and future environment. Some of these sessions will be focused on receiving feedback from a specific group, while others will be open invites for all community members in the form of a town hall. 

We have a truly people-centred culture that thrives on our values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. I invite each and every one of you – students, faculty, contract lecturers, librarians and staff – to attend a town hall or consultation for your faculty, department or community group. 

I would like to thank the 32 members of the academic plan advisory group, or “kitchen cabinet.” With representation from across the university, this group has come together to provide expertise throughout the drafting of our new academic plan. 

More information about the timing of upcoming sessions will be available soon on the academic plan website. I encourage you to check back regularly for updates. In addition, as always I invite you to reach out to me with questions, concerns and ideas at provost@torontomu.ca.

Our teamwork and collegiality across campus demonstrates TMU’s boundless potential for excellence. I cannot wait to see all we will accomplish working together on our next academic plan. 

Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano
Provost and Vice-President, Academic