MENU
The President
Search

Priorities

In 2022, Joy co-led an extensive series of community conversations to discuss the future of the university. 

What's Next: The SFU Strategy  came directly out of these conversations and outlines SFU's vision, purpose and values, alongside four priorities that create a framework for action. As president, Joy is responsible for overseeing the execution of the plan and reporting on progress to the SFU community and governing bodies. 

Our priorities

Uphold truth and Reconciliation

Many atrocities committed against Indigenous Peoples in Canada were done in the name of education. As a place of learning, SFU has an inherent responsibility to advance Reconciliation and contribute to the process of healing and redressing past injustices. We have come a long way—important Reconciliation and decolonization work is being done by individuals, teams and departments across the university. But there is more to do. It is often said that the work of Reconciliation is for settlers to take up. I agree with that, and hold myself to that standard. Reconciliation requires a sustained and ongoing commitment from each of us.

Through the strategy, we will:

  • Improve the support, mentorship and recruitment of Indigenous students, with continuing focus on curriculum innovation, welcoming spaces and learner pathways
  • Strengthen Indigenous faculty and staff attraction and retention through targeted hires and permanent positions, embedding Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing
  • Harness momentum and insight for sustainable change within and beyond SFU, aligning our priorities and approach through a new Indigenous Strategic Plan 

Learn more

engage in global challenges

Universities are unique institutions that bring together knowledge generation, research, education and public engagement, all under one roof. I believe that we have a civic and moral obligation to harness our strengths in service of solving the world's most pressing challenges—and I know the SFU community is eager to contribute. Through our global partnerships, knowledge mobilization efforts and commitment to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, we can help build a better future.

Through the strategy, we will:

  • Cultivate a thriving research and teaching environment that deepens the undergraduate and graduate experience and prepares students for varied careers 
  • Enable and value interdisciplinarity and diverse forms of scholarship, notably in community-centred climate innovation, to spark creativity and collaboration 
  • Invest in world-class faculty and infrastructure, while connecting SFU scholars with national and international research networks 

 Learn more

Make a difference for B.C.

SFU is a global campus that welcomes students, faculty and staff from across the world—but we also spend a lot of time thinking about how we can contribute locally. The vast majority of our first-year students live at home, and 94% of SFU's students remain in B.C. two years after graduating. I truly believe that SFU is the university for B.C., and our future plans will build on our impact by adding a medical school and working with communities to facilitate public dialogue, drive the economy and strengthen the fabric of the province. 

Through the strategy, we will:

  • Expand experiential education, lifelong learning and credential models to improve student outcomes and accelerate regional impact and innovation 
  • Establish a socially accountable medical school and graduate physicians with the competencies to provide team-based health care and serve B.C.’s diverse communities 
  • Facilitate evidence-informed public dialogue that fosters pluralism and shared problem-solving across the province

Learn more

transform the SFU experience

During the strategic planning process, I heard clearly from the community that in order to achieve our other priorities, we first need to create the conditions for students, faculty and staff to thrive. From modernizing our structures and systems to continued progress towards an inclusive and equitable campus environment, this priority is the foundation underlying our other work. I am committed to ensuring that all those who learn and work at SFU feel supported by the university, creating space for everyone to contribute to our shared goals.

Through the strategy, we will: 

  • Sustain the excellence of an SFU education, meeting the changing needs of learners through curriculum and service enhancements across our campuses that reflect the importance of mental health, affordability and flexibility
  • Integrate progressive people practices that centre equity, encourage healthy working practices and ensure a thriving SFU
  • Optimize processes, technology and facilities to support people at SFU, propel the academic mandate and reinforce responsible stewardship 

Learn more

Learn more about What's Next for SFU

Read the full strategy and see how we're bringing it to life—advancing an inclusive and sustainable future, together. 

Read more

Search
Search
close