U of A holds launch event to celebrate new People Strategy

On October 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the main gym of the Van Vliet Complex, the University of Alberta celebrated the launch of the People Strategy. Over 500 staff and faculty members attended.

The Board of Governors unanimously approved the draft strategy on October 11. Through the People Strategy, the university intends to “attract, develop, and retain top talent while promoting a supportive environment that values collaboration, well-being and continuous learning in the service of teaching, research and engagement.”

The main themes of the plan are prioritizing health and well-being; enabling and empowering people; outstanding leadership in an environment of shared responsibility; and creating connection.

According to U of A President and Vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan, the strategy is aligned with SHAPE, the U of A’s 10-year strategic plan.

“It builds on SHAPE’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI),” Flanagan said. “It will help build on our legacy of impact.”

Provost and Vice-president (academic) Verna Yiu credited people as the U of A’s biggest strength.

“We make it possible for the U of A to be what it is today — a leader for not only our current times, but for the future,” Yiu said. “This is why it’s so important to have a strategy that supports our people.”

The People Strategy puts the U of A on a “positive path forward,” Gilchrist says

Vice-president (university services, operations and finance) Todd Gilchrist spoke about faculty and staff consultation “underpinning” the strategy.

“Through that consultation process, we’ve heard loud and clear that a People Strategy is of great importance,” according to Gilchrist.

Additionally, Gilchrist spoke about the need for the strategy to be seen “at every level across the institution.”

“This is an important day for the U of A as it puts us on an intentional and positive path forward,” Gilchrist said. “We recognize that a culture that values and supports its people is key to attracting, growing, and retaining top talent.”