Report on the 2014–2019 strategic plan
This annual report outlines our progress on the objectives we set in our 2014–2019 strategic plan, entitled This is the face of change. This strategic plan reflects both the vision of Saint Paul University, which is Guiding transformation together, and its mission, which is to be a place where contributing creatively to the humanization of society happens:
- as a Catholic institution, we are dedicated to an understanding of Christian faith, integrating it into daily life and promoting the values of Christian humanism in a spirit of ecumenical openness;
- as a bilingual institution, we want to create a space where English- and French-speaking communities can flourish, with special concern for the richness of cultural diversity; and
- as a centre of higher learning, we seek, in cooperation with our partners, excellence in teaching, research and professional formation.
Our efforts are framed by our strategic orientations, which consist of promoting social justice, creating a space for discussion between the public and religious spheres, and developing leadership and spirituality.
Our five strategic priorities are as follows:
- updated programs of study;
- activities that encourage students to continue their studies;
- commitment to comprehensive formation with easy access to services;
- outstanding competence and influence of its staff; and
- community engagement.
Based on our strategic plan, the action plan guides and mobilizes administrative, teaching and support staff in achieving our objectives. The assessment that follows shows that the University is on the right path to reach its objectives.
5.1 Updated programs of study
The 2017–2018 year was very productive in terms of the creation of programs. In this respect, the Faculty of Canon Law offered, for the first time, a graduate diploma dealing specifically with the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Also, the Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality offered formation for Catholic women in leadership positions, and the Élisabeth Bruyère School of Social Innovation established leadership formation for Indigenous women in Québec.
Three programs will be launched soon: a graduate diploma in Catholic bioethics, a master’s in social innovation, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in contemporary social issues. Added to these programs are a graduate diploma in transformative leadership and a Ph.D. in social innovation, which are both under way, along with modifications to several existing programs.
As well, the year saw the signing of an agreement with the Institut catholique européen des Amériques (ICEA) in Martinique, allowing for student exchanges. Also, the University now has a large number of bridges with Ontario colleges, including La Cité (49 agreements), Algonquin (32 agreements), Boréal (26 agreements), St. Lawrence (24 agreements), Cégep de l’Outaouais (34 agreements) and several other colleges. These agreements allow the University to recognize up to 60 credits in conflict studies, public ethics, social communication, social innovation or human relations. It should be noted that we are constantly working to improve these agreements.
5.2 Activities that encourage students to continue their studies
Indicator: the number of activities designed for high school and college students to encourage them to continue their studies.
Activities
- Classroom experience as a “student for a day”;
- Increased number of recruitment activities;
- Creation of transfer agreements;
- Signing of agreements with NishnawbeAskiNation (NAN) and Oshki;
- Offering activities that are better suited to the needs of students by Pastoral Services.
International scene
- Recruitment of more international students, with a major breakthrough in francophone countries;
- The University has more than doubled the number of partners for inter-university exchanges (Université catholique de Lyon, Trinity Leeds University, and Iberoamericana, to name a few).
Student success
- Phase 1 aims to support school boards and their partners at the post-secondary level to offer students diverse high-quality learning opportunities in a francophone environment.
- Specialist High School Majors were established in collaboration with school boards in the region and offered to their students. A dozen workshops were held on leadership, conflict resolution, public ethics and social communication, in addition to forums on bullying that attracted hundreds of students.
5.3 Commitment to comprehensive formation with easy access to services
Investments in infrastructure
During the past year, Saint Paul University undertook major renovations to the Student Life Centre. Development of the Centre as well as the addition of key elements was done following consultations with the University community. The project – which included classrooms, collaborative spaces, an office for the students’ association, a multipurpose room and a kitchen – was completed in December 2017 and cost $5.5 million.
Mauril Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop
Phase 1 of the Workshop, located on the ground floor of Laframboise Hall, is accessible from an entrance facing Clegg Street. This phase includes the Workshops’ offices and collaborative spaces. It was officially opened in February 2018 and cost $600,000.
5.4 Outstanding competence and influence of its staff
Indicator: a range of complementary programs for teaching personnel and support staff.
2019 target:
- Implementing measures to help professors in developing research;
- Welcome programs, training programs and recognition for employees.
Currently:
- Development of an action plan for support staff;
- Eight research centres;
- Four research chairs;
- Student satisfaction rate of 96% (National Survey on Student Engagement [NSSE] 2017);
- Centre of Excellence for Research in Psychotherapy and Spirituality;
- Centre for Research on Innovations and Social Transformations;
- Implementation of a new payroll and human resource management system.
5.5 Community engagement
Indicator: brand awareness.
2019 target:
- Saint Paul University is present every week in the media (articles and interviews).
- Areas of research excellence are defined and disseminated.
Currently:
- Follow-up that ensures we have a constant presence in the media;
- Partnership with associations and organizations that serve the community;
- Internship office – offering internships as part of a program of study;
- Encouraging results from the 2018 image survey.