Algonquin’s Strategic Mandate Agreement

Algonquin SMA Signed

Algonquin College’s Strategic Mandate Agreement has been signed – click here to read the final version. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback!

Read the announcement from Claude Brulé, Vice President, Academic.

What is an SMA?

Following their initial call in the Fall of 2012 for SMA documents from each Ontario postsecondary institution, the Province of Ontario recently asked for brand new agreements which demonstrate how each institution’s activities, current and planned, contribute to the directions identified in a paper entitled, “Strengthening Ontario’s Centres of Creativity, Innovation and Knowledge: A discussion paper on innovation to make our university and college system stronger”.

Each SMA comprises:

  • A differentiated mandate statement;
  • An institutional vision;
  • 10 areas of program strength;
  • Differentiating activities in support of institutional operation and program delivery, and;
  • Three to five strategic program focus areas where there will be growth in the next five years.

The document is meant to provide insight into the current state of six key government priorities at each of Ontario’s postsecondary institutions, including:

  • Social and economic development;
  • High-quality educational experience;
  • Financial sustainability and accountability;
  • Access for all qualified learners;
  • World-class research and innovation, and;
  • Collaboration and pathways for students.

It will also examine six components of differentiation at each institution:

  • Jobs, Innovation, and Economic Development;
  • Teaching and Learning;
  • Student Population;
  • Research and Graduate Education;
  • Program Offerings, and;
  • Institutional Collaboration to Support Student Mobility.