Update from Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice-Chancellor – July 14, 2020

As I have done throughout this process, I am writing to update you on the status of the MSVU Strategic Plan. As we are all aware, COVID-19 has dramatically impacted a number of MSVU initiatives, and unfortunately, the Strategic Plan is no exception. We – the MSVU Senate and Board of Governors – have agreed to defer final Board approval of the Plan to November 22, 2020 – to allow for further feedback from members of Senate, and from members of the campus community.

Please be assured that this approval delay in no way negates your contributions to, and engagement in, this Plan to date – in fact the converse is true, as I continue to receive positive comments, and enthusiasm as relates to the most recent draft. I remain keenly invested in the work that we have done together in creating a Plan that we can each see ourselves in, and one that is designed to guide and sustain this University in the coming years. I will remain in touch in the coming months as we finalize the Plan that will ultimately be presented to our Board for November approval, and I am counting on your sustained support as we make final refinements in advance of doing so.


Update from Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice-Chancellor – May 5, 2020

As committed, I am writing to keep you apprised of both the process and progress in the development of our Strategic Plan.  Work has been ongoing both in front of and behind the scenes.

Beginning in August, 2019 and over the course of the ensuing 6 months, I undertook a series of comprehensive consultation sessions – each of them resulting in invaluable discussions, ideas, and information.  Sessions were held both on and off campus and involved an expansive list of constituents/constituency groups – included among them were: Board members (current and past), members of Senate, MSVU Faculty and Staff, Management Forum, Union groups, Library, Co-Op, Experiential Learning, Academic Advising, Art Gallery, Centre for Women in Business, Nancy’s Chair, L’nu Advisory Circle, Students of African Descent Advisory Committee, 2SLGBTQI+ Ally Committee, the Committee on Academic Policy & Planning, the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning, Graduate Studies Program & Policy Committee, Graduate Studies Scholarships, Assistantships & Awards Committee, the Committee on Research & Academic Policy and Planning, Students including full time, part time and distance, the Alumnae Association and Alumni Board, Sisters of Charity, Donors, the AAU Executive Director, Community and Business Leaders and Associates, Co-op Employers, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, the Black Educators Association, and elected officials including municipal, provincial and federal.  While this list is fairly exhaustive, in addition to in person meetings were online submissions – which also provided a wealth of useful perspectives and information.

From a personal standpoint, this process was very rewarding in that it afforded me the opportunity to engage with many people – all of whom are hugely invested in the success of MSVU – and some of whom I do not have the privilege of interacting with daily.

Following extensive review of the data, 7 themes emerged – they include:

• Community engagement

• Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility

• Truth and Reconciliation

• A healthy university campus for all

• Transformative teaching and learning

• Research and scholarly work

• Operational excellence and sustainability

From these Themes…..high level Objectives and Strategies are emerging and work is underway to evolve.  I have begun the process of sharing the draft Plan – entitled, “Strength Through Community” with various groups, with further distribution to come…stay tuned!

Following the approval of a final draft by the Board of Governors, work will begin at the unit level to develop the more detailed strategic and operational plans.

What is most clear is that the heartbeat of the Mount has not wavered and is representative of our history – Education of Women and Girls, while working towards a more just and inclusive society.

I look forward to continuing to update you.


Message from Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice-Chancellor

Late last spring, a new Strategic Planning Working Group was formed, including student, faculty, staff and Board of Governors representatives. With input from this group, an approach was developed to guide a thorough consultation of our University community.

Now, as we seek to identify our shared institutional priorities, we are initiating a thoughtful consultation with an expansive list of constituent audiences.

Based on the input gathered, our new strategic plan will articulate our way forward. It will be a statement about the unique contributions our University can and will make within an evolving context. The needs of our students, employees, communities and world are changing – and we need to be prepared to influence and respond.

As well, as we begin the process of looking ahead to our next strategic plan, it’s also important we consider the many accomplishments of our previous plan. I invite you to read more in our Summary of Strategic Plan Successes.

Please continue to visit the Strategic Plan webpage for updates on the strategic planning process.