In February, leaders of Faculty student associations were asked to engage with their councils in a discussion about Concordia's strategic directions. Student leaders agreed to pose the following question: Thinking about how to improve the student learning experience and build Concordia’s reputation as a ‘next-generation’ university, which 3 of the items below do you see as most important?
Consultations
Between February 6 and 20, 2015, we held five Idea Cafés, facilitated by Professor Rosemary Reilly, Department of Applied Human Sciences. Two were held on the Loyola Campus on February 6 and 19, and three on the Sir George Williams Campus on two on February 13 and one on February 20.
Participants, which included students, faculty and staff, were asked to answer this key question: What kind of university do we want and need to become? They also reflected on important issues facing Concordia and how to best face the decade ahead
We also held two more Idea Cafés to obtain feedback on the draft strategic directions document on May 1 and 4, 2015 (Idea Cafés #6 and #7).
Idea Café #1
What kind of university do we want and need to become? This is the key question asked of participants at the February 6 Idea Café. Participants also reflected on important issues facing Concordia and on key questions that need to be asked as we consider the decade ahead.
Idea Cafés were facilitated by Rosemary Reilly, Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences.

Idea Café #2 and #3
What kind of university do we want and need to become? This is the key question asked of participants at the February 13 Idea Cafés. Participants also reflected on important issues facing Concordia and on key questions that need to be asked as we consider the decade ahead.
Idea Cafés were facilitated by Rosemary Reilly, Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences.

Idea Café #4
What kind of university do we want and need to become? This is the key question asked of participants at the February 19 Idea Café. Participants also reflected on important issues facing Concordia and on key questions that need to be asked as we consider the decade ahead.
Idea Cafés were facilitated by Rosemary Reilly, Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences.

Idea Café #5
What kind of university do we want and need to become? This is the key question asked of participants at the February 20 Idea Café. Participants also reflected on important issues facing Concordia and on key questions that need to be asked as we consider the decade ahead.
Idea Cafés were facilitated by Rosemary Reilly, Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences.

Student consultation: Faculty association councils

- Wide options for and deep integration of online/digital learning
- Cutting-edge program offerings linked to research strengths
- ‘Intellectual fusion’—multi- and cross-disciplinarity
- Wide options for and deep integration of experiential learning
- Wide options for and deep integration of innovation and entrepreneurship
- Deeper integration of skills that help students with work-readiness in program curricula
- Deeper integration with the city
- Deeper commitment to public and community engagement
- Increased access for students to international opportunities
- Increased access to and involvement in faculty research
- Academic facilities that facilitate a next-generation learning and campus experience
View the outcomes of these discussions:
Student consultation: PSYC 428

Dr. Theresa Bianco, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, asked students in her qualitative inquiry course (PSYC 428) to break into small groups and share ideas about how to improve the student experience at Concordia.
Library Strategic Directions Consultation
Guylaine Beaudry, University Librarian, invite all members of the Library's team and the Concordia community in general to participate in the strategic directions consultation. Everyone has valuable ideas and comments to contribute as we determine the vision and the roadmap for the future of our Library. Join the discussion!
Consultation with chairs and senior managers

On March 18, over 100 department chairs and senior managers met to discuss two questions--What kind of university do we want to become, and what do we need to do to get there? Some of their responses are captured in the image gallery below.
Senate brainstorm session

On December 5, 2014, members of Concordia’s Senate participated in a brainstorming session on the university’s future strategic directions. The outcomes of this session helped shape the topics being explored by the seven “idea groups”.
Small-group discussions focused on the question, “What do you see as possible strategic directions for Concordia over the next five to 10 years?”
- Meaningful, mission-driven change and adaptation
- Cohesive and synergistic strategies that leverage unique strengths
- Culture that fosters innovation and risk-taking
- Structures and practices that create a sense of belonging and connectedness (even after graduation)
- Empowering students to be self-directed learners and proactive, engaged citizens
- Deep commitments to sustainability, openness, and diversity
- Deep connections to the city
- Flexibility, modularity, and customizability in curriculum
- Active, multi-dimensional, multidisciplinary learning opportunities - experiential, co- and extra-curricular, discipline-spanning, linked to city
- Next-generation skills and competencies adapted to work realities
- Uses of digital learning that capture the value of new tools and methods
- Physical gathering places and learning spaces that facilitate collaboration
- Dynamic
- Responsive
- Adaptive
- Resilient
- Permeable
- Empowering
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