A document submitted to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities this week begins the process of developing a strategic mandate agreement between the province and the University of Windsor.

The ministry had asked the University of Windsor, along with all universities and colleges in Ontario, to:

• describe the institution and its role in the Ontario system;
• describe what it is doing in the interests of students, in meeting the needs of the creative economy, and in increasing productivity and innovation;
• project the impact of its plans on enrolment;
• demonstrate how those plans relate to its institutional vision.

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman said the strategic plan, Thinking Forward… Taking Action, commits the University to the principles of putting students first, meeting the needs of the creative economy, and focusing on productivity, innovation and sustainability.

In the submission, Dr. Wildeman identifies three priorities that align with the government’s stated aims: transforming the large classroom experience, strengthening community engagement and postsecondary collaboration, and building on the University’s strengths in international engagement, research and graduate programs.

Read the entire submission on his Web page dedicated to public accountability.

Wildeman said in a memo to the campus community yesterday that he anticipates further dialogue with the ministry on the content of a strategic mandate agreement.