Plan Development

Process

Algonquin College has followed Academica’s three-phase strategic planning facilitation framework, customized for the Academic Plan.

This initial phase included an institutional assessment and document analysis. An internal document review was specific to the planning process with an understanding of the status of the existing academic plan outcomes. Next, an environmental scan identified external environmental pressures in the region, the province and beyond, as well as post-secondary trends that would impact Algonquin College’s academic planning. Lastly, through a facilitated discussion with the senior leadership team at the College, readiness to undertake the Academic Plan planning process was assessed.

A presentation of preliminary findings helped to define the key focus areas for the next phase’s planning activities.

In the Planning Phase, the College engaged with internal constituents, as well as a broad range of external community leaders, employers, industry and alumni. Interviews and discussions with senior leaders were used to delve deeper into challenge and opportunity areas, follow up on trends and questions raised through earlier stages of the research, and assist in testing emerging strategies. Up to 12 external and 20 internal facilitated group feedback activities with specific stakeholders were conducted. The external group was focused on the Ontario industry sectors that have a relationship/integration with existing and emerging areas of activity at Algonquin College.

Follow up consultations involved staff groups to be determined in consultation with the College. Facilitated group sessions included a broad spectrum of internal stakeholders in academic, student support and operational areas.

Following these consultations, the Academic Plan Working Group identified the main themes and potential plan components. Key themes were then shared with key internal stakeholders (academic leadership team, senior leadership) for validation.

Engagement

The Senior Vice President Academic is pleased with the considerable engagement that has occurred throughout the nine months of planning.

External consultations were built off the feedback from the May/June internal consultations and included three approaches to gain feedback for key industry sector partners, communities associated with our campus operations and college alumni. Through this phase of the consultation, over 100 individuals participated in interviews and focus groups, with over 850 alumni completing the academic plan survey. In total, 2100 people were engaged in the process to create the Academic Plan.

These feedback opportunities were focused on the following key areas:

• Perceptions of Algonquin College as post-secondary institution of choice
• Strengthens and areas for enhancement as a key industry/community partner
• Opportunities and approaches to better support the needs of industry and the communities in which Algonquin College operates.

Based on the background documentation, information from the consultations and the alignment discussions, Academica will work with the Academic Plan Working Group to produce the written final report and plan. This document will take into consideration the feedback from the draft report and any additional research conducted.