Help shape the future of your university

The University of Calgary’s original Eyes High strategy is sunsetting at the end of this academic year. As the University of Calgary celebrates its 50th Anniversary, members of the campus community are invited to share their input on how to energize Eyes High for the next five years. Consultation with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will take place from now until the end of November, 2016.

“One of the most exciting things about the Eyes High journey is how it’s brought our community together in a shared sense of pride,” says President Elizabeth Cannon. “We have had many successes, whether it’s investment in the university, great student achievements, the attraction and retention of talented faculty and staff, and building our reputation on the national and international stage. Together, we have built this university to be one of the top universities in the world under 50 years of age.”

To keep the Eyes High momentum going, the current strategy will be refined based on input from the campus community, as was done to develop the original Eyes High strategy back in 2011 through Project Next. Feedback is being sought in five key areas: the three foundational pillars of Eyes High (research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and community engagement), plus two additional areas of critical importance: student experience and campus culture.

“Our Energizing Eyes High process is being guided by a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of leaders from our campus community,” explains Cannon. “We are fortunate to have representatives from student leadership, faculty and staff, the senior leadership team, postdoctoral scholars, Board of Governors, alumni and Senate. Loren Falkenberg from the Haskayne School of Business is chairing the Energizing Eyes High Secretariat — a great value since she was also involved in Project Next.”

Five ways to engage

You can participate in the Energizing Eyes High consultation opportunities that work best for you:

• Register for one of 20 campus focus groups for students, faculty, staff, and Board and Senate members* (Register for the table topic you are most interested in.)
• Complete the online survey
• Visit a roving booth and record a video message
• Take the weekly poll in UToday or on the website
• Send a comment to eyeshigh@ucalgary.ca.

* Special focus groups and surveys are being offered for alumni and external community members. Interested in learning more about these opportunities? Email eyeshigh@ucalgary.ca.

Anyone who attends a focus group or completes an online survey is eligible to enter a draw for one of 10 iPad Pros. Students are also eligible for weekly draws for $10 Mac Hall food vouchers.

What happens next?

Feedback will help focus UCalgary priorities and will impact funding decisions going forward. Once the consultation feedback is collected and analyzed, a refined strategic direction will move through our governance bodies — the General Faculties Council and the Board of Governors — before it is launched in spring 2017.

Learn more

Check out the Energizing Eyes High website to learn more and to engage in the consultation opportunities. Questions and general feedback? Email eyeshigh@ucalgary.ca.