For our top story this week, The Ontarion spoke to President Franco Vaccarino on two separate occasions: once for the following article, and again to follow up on his first year as president. You can read the full transcript of the latter here.
The University of Guelph announced plans on engaging students, faculty, and the Guelph community in a strategic renewal, on Sept. 17, 2015. In a news release from the Communications and Public Affairs office addressed to students, President Franco Vaccarino discussed plans on beginning the promised strategic renewal process for the University of Guelph.
Speaking with The Ontarion via email, President Vaccarino explained the genesis of the strategic renewal, as well as what he hopes will spur students into acting towards their school’s legacy.
President Vaccarino explained that the strategic renewal was already being considered when he was appointed as university president in 2013.
“In discussions with people inside and outside the university since my appointment last August, I have heard U of G stakeholders repeatedly express strong interest in renewal of the university’s strategic vision,” said President Vaccarino. “As a consequence, the university is moving forward to allow us to have a sustained, productive process of conversation that will allow us to give expression to our sense of common purpose.”
The strategic renewal looks to renew the university’s identity through two goals. First, the renewal seeks to create a new plan guide for the next five to 10 years. Second, the renewal seeks to invigorate new institutional pride and confidence in both the campus community and the university’s partners.
“The University of Guelph has traditions that date back 150 years that are an enormous point of pride for all of us and our renewed strategic plan will build on those traditions,” explained President Vaccarino. “At the same time, the university has important new and emerging areas that we have celebrated over the last 50 years.”
When President Vaccarino wrote, in the Sept. 22 release, that he aimed “to integrate this community’s traditions and strengths with new and emerging themes as look into the next half-century,” he very much meant the entire university community.
“‘We’—meaning individuals from inside and outside of the campus community—will contribute to the creation of a document that will reflect our sense of common purpose and guide us forward over the next five to 10 years,” said President Vaccarino.
For members of the community looking to get involved and consult with the university towards a shared outcome, President Vaccarino laid out two consultation stages.
“Stage one is open-ended discussions about the university and its future directions with stakeholders and focus groups,” explained President Vaccarino. “Stage two is exploration of topics or themes from the first stage of consultations using working groups intended to engage the community.”
President Vaccarino further explained that Stage two is expected to roll out between January and through to Spring of 2016. He mentioned his pleasure at the turn out that he has witnessed at community events, while simultaneously mentioning the city and the university’s commitment to caring, compassion, and volunteerism as points of pride.
The strategic renewal is intended to be an opportunity for renewal of the University of Guelph’s identity.
“Where we’ve been, how we see ourselves now, what we think the university stands for and how we can chart a path for the future, as an institution, as a broad-based, comprehensive institution,” explained President Vaccarino, in regards to the process for renewal of the university’s identity. “We will each bring perspectives from our own experiences; all are important and valued.”
In regards to advice for students curious to learn more about the way the university operates, President Vaccarino suggested getting involved in university affairs.
“There are a few avenues,” concluded President Vaccarino. “Consider running for student government or getting involved in activities of the Central Student Association or Graduate Students’ Association. Or through student groups connected with your particular college or department or school on campus.”
“Beyond those groups, I encourage students to widen their view by paying attention to news and wider issues involving the post-secondary landscape in Ontario and Canada. The university’s board of governors and senate both have elected students representatives from among undergraduate and graduate students.”