Refreshing our Student Strategic Plan
Launched in 2021, the Student Strategic Plan (SSP) represents our shared purpose and priorities in fostering an exceptional student experience across both campuses. As we complete four years of implementation of the SSP, and in alignment with the refresh of the UBC Strategic Plan the time is right for us to revisit the plan and define specific priorities and actions for the next three to five years focused on a student centred approach. Our goal is to enhance the student experience at UBC and ensure the plan continues to reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of students.
Why refresh the Student Strategic Plan?
Since the launch of the SSP, the landscape of higher education has evolved, presenting an opportunity to refresh the plan. This Refresh allows us to build on the foundational components of the SSP, celebrate our successes, adapt to new challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and continue implementing a plan that reflects the evolving aspirations of students.
Objectives for the Refresh
The purpose of the Refresh is not to replace the current Student Strategic Plan but to define a set of priorities for the next three years, focusing on fostering an exceptional student experience across both campuses.
The Student Strategic Plan Refresh process will focus on the following objectives:
- Maintain the plan’s foundational components while incorporating a refreshed framework that reflects the cross-cutting nature of inclusive excellence, truth and reconciliation, and and Indigenization in our work.
- Articulate a set of portfolio-level priorities to guide our efforts for the next three years..
- Implement a flexible process that empowers units to develop and advance goals and annual actions aligned with the portfolio’s priorities.
- Continue monitoring progress through ongoing evaluation and updated metrics.
- Ensure complimentary alignment with the UBC Strategic Plan Refresh, Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP), and Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism (StEAR) Framework.
How we’re listening to the UBC community
Since 2019, Dr. Ainsley Carry has been hosting listening sessions for students to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns. Listening sessions that took place from 2023 onward will inform the Student Strategic Plan Refresh.
Other ways the Vice President, Students has engaged with the UBC community include:
- Listening sessions with VPS Portfolio and leadership
- Engagement with Student leadership (AMS, GSS, SUO)
- Listening Sessions and engagement with campus partners across both campuses summer and fall.
- Review of institutional surveys specifically the Undergraduate Experience Survey (UES), Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), New to UBC survey (NUBC), National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and the Tuition Engagement Survey.
What we’ve heard
Feedback gathered from students during Listening Sessions is carefully analyzed and recurring themes are identified. The insights provided will shape the next phase of the Refresh.
To learn more about the themes that have emerged, check out the Student Listening Session reports.
Next steps
Work on the SSP Refresh is underway and with focused engagement across the VPS portfolio, student leaders and with the UBC community will guide the Vice-President Students portfolio’s work over the next three years (2025–2028). The launch of the refreshed plan is scheduled for fall 2025, aligning with the UBC Strategic Plan Refresh.
Contact Information
Do you have a question about the Student Strategic Plan Refresh? Please email vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca