The University of Guelph has a new road map to guide planning for the months and years ahead.

The strategic renewal framework was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors June 3 and the University’s Senate June 1.

“This was a community effort and a hugely rewarding process,” said president Franco Vaccarino.

“I would like to express my gratitude to members of the Board and Senate for their support. I am also thankful to the Strategic Renewal Advisory Committee for their hard work and dedication, and to all of the people, both inside and outside of the University, who took part in discussions and consultations during the past eight months.”

The framework will inform institutional planning and decision-making. This will include U of G’s strategic mandate agreement with the provincial government, the University’s strategic research plan that defines relationships with external funders, and new initiatives and programs.

The framework includes five intersecting themes: inspiring learning and inquiry; catalyzing discovery and change; connecting communities; stewarding valued resources; and nurturing a distinctive university culture. Each theme includes objectives and questions to support and guide planning.

Members of Senate and B of G called the framework “aspirational and visionary.” They said the level of participation and engagement in the process has been excellent, and look forward to the University’s maintaining that energy.

The strategic renewal process began in September 2015 to help the University reaffirm a common purpose and develop a strategic framework to guide planning. It had been 20 years since the University last updated its strategic plan.