2014-2017 Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2017
“This plan will help us define who we are as
an organization and it will showcase what
we can accomplish with the goals we set.”
MISSION
The Students’ Association of MacEwan University exists to enrich the student experience. As the collective
student voice and champion for leadership and advocacy,
we empower students through our programs and services,
and create an engaging environment that maximizes
opportunities.
VISION
The Students’ Association of MacEwan University will be
a strong advocate, exceptional resource and clear voice
for the MacEwan University student. We will have one
aim — to create a one of a kind university experience
by recognizing the student as our greatest asset and
inspiration.
INTRODUCTION
The Students’ Association of MacEwan University
(SAMU) is a dynamic, fast growing and diverse
organization. Over the past five years, SAMU has
evolved alongside the university and its students.
We have watched Grant MacEwan College become
MacEwan University, and we have seen the effects
that this change has had on the students, the
campus, and the relationships with the external
community. Our needs are growing and our
approach to success is changing to meet the needs
within the university. By developing strong programs
and services, and by supporting our students
through numerous advocacy efforts, we have been
able to focus our resources and energy on projects
that matter.
This strategic plan provides a foundation for
SAMU’s initiatives for the next three years. It takes
the mission, vision, and values of the organization
and transforms them into attainable goals. This
plan will become the compass that guides our
organization’s governance and leads SAMU as
it works with its staff, students, and partners.
This plan will help us define who we are as an
organization and it will showcase what we can
accomplish with the goals we set.
VALUES
Students First
Excellence
At the core of our organization are MacEwan University
students; all members of the organization respect student needs and uphold students as our greatest ally
and focus.
We maintain a high-level of integrity, quality, respect, and
professionalism in everything we do to ensure that our
students are supported and receive a quality experience
at MacEwan University.
Relevance
Community
Our programs, services, events, marketing, and governance decisions are made based on the needs and wants of our students.
We are active members of our student, municipal,
provincial and federal communities.
Accountability
We advocate at all levels of the university and government
to ensure our students are represented and their voices
are heard.
Everything we do is transparent and available to our
members. We ensure that student dollars are respected
and used wisely. Students drive our actions and are
included in planning, implementing, and measuring our
successes.
Advocacy
Sustainability
We look beyond the current generation of students and
ensure that our future students will be positively impacted
by the decisions we make today.
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GOALS
SAMU Building
SAMU will design and build a Students’ Association
building, which will open in the fall of 2017. The building
will be economically and environmentally sustainable in
order to create a space that students can use for years to
come.
The SAMU building project will:
• Be environmentally friendly.
• Have dedicated funds allocated to the building that will allow SAMU to make this project a reality.
• Foster relationships with all building stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the project.
• Create student space dedicated to the needs of all our students.
• Create a legacy that MacEwan students can enjoy for years to come.
• Create a space that fosters student governance and community.
Programs and Services
SAMU will create and maintain an array of programs and
services that are relevant and accessible to all MacEwan
University students. SAMU programming will showcase
excellence and innovation, while also providing worthwhile
services to students.
SAMU programs and services will:
• Provide a clear mandate and an effective system for measuring success.
• Provide programming that enhances student engagement throughout their time at MacEwan.
• Provide supportive student mental health programs.
• Provide a positive learning and teaching environment for staff and students.
• Support student led initiatives.
• Support the development and structuring of student clubs.
Student Engagement
SAMU will create an environment that fosters student
engagement. Within this environment, students will be
aware of what is taking place on campus, and have the
opportunity to engage with all levels of the university.
Student engagement will:
• Create a university culture where students know what services and programs are available to them.
• Showcase student governance and promote elections.
•Support Griffins sports teams and create a culture that celebrates school spirit.
•Survey students to ensure that SAMU is providing students with services that are relevant.
Commitment to Sustainability
SAMU will focus on becoming an organization that has
sustainable operating practices. It will be a place where
processes and systems focus on long-term goals rather
than short term wins.
The implementation of sustainability will:
•Foster a strong, professional, and supportive work environment.
•Diversify revenue streams to reduce need for student fees.
•Create strong communication between all areas of the organization.
•Create plans to ensure that SAMU is a leader in environmentally-friendly operating practices amongst student associations.
Advocacy Opportunities
SAMU will support and represent the needs of all MacEwan
University Students. It will advocate for student rights and
needs within the university, municipally, provincally, and
federally.
SAMU advocacy will:
•Ensure MacEwan University’s first priority is students.
•Highlight governance and elections to MacEwan University students.
•Create a municipal advocacy group.
•Advocate for teaching excellence.
•Advocate for affordable education costs.
Community Engagement
SAMU will be a visible partner in Edmonton and the surrounding community. We will support community projects and programs that improve the lives of MacEwan University students.
Through community engagement SAMU will:
•Maintain strong connections with the university and larger community.
•Build partnerships with likeminded non-profit organizations.
•Connect students with organizations that support student needs.
•Create community engagement opportunities.
•Seek sponsorship opportunities that foster relationships with community partners.
• Focus on faculty-based engagement.
• Be an employer of students and use our resources to provide students with meaningful learning opportunities.
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