About the School of Extended Learning

The Strategic Plan for the School of Extended Learning is presented here following seven months of intensive study, preparation, and consultation. Our work has included a series of study visits to universities initiating similar practices as well as a Benchmarking Study which reviewed seventeen other institutions and profiled five similar ventures. Our work inside Concordia consisted of Vision Making and Strategic Thinking sessions with a broad representation of the Concordia community. Additionally, we conducted over twenty-five information and consultation sessions with various Faculties and units within our University.

As we began to design the plan, we felt it was essential to situate the School in the broader perspective of the changing role of universities in present day society which inspired the mission of the School in a context of Lifelong Learning. It is important to have you recognize the tremendous potentials which can be realized by viewing this plan as more than the mere addition of another administrative unit of the University. The plan is organized to draw from this larger context in a sequence of narrowing focus which identifies the core principles and driving forces to conclude with a specific set of strategies and actions to be accomplished over the next three years.

The result is a comprehensive perspective on the new School's place and role within the University as Concordia moves forward in a period of its evolution when the need to enhance its academic standing, teaching, and research is equaled by its deeply rooted mission to maintain accessibility and community engagement. This plan seeks to strike such a balance by situating the School of Extended Learning as a vehicle whose primary purpose is to enhance Concordia's role and presence in the communities it serves and provide access to the university by individuals and organizations that have not previously done so. As such, we see the School of Extended Learning as an interactive portal which will serve as an interface between Concordia, as a community university, and the people and organizations that need facilitated access to its services.

It is our strong conviction that the establishment of the School of Extended Learning, while reaching its stated objectives, will serve as a catalyst for Concordia's evolving leadership in the development of Sustainable Communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Noel Burke
Dean, School of Extended Learning
For the SEL Strategic Planning Committee

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