Situation:

The Faculty of Forestry sought a new strategic direction to address emerging challenges and opportunities. These included a significant influx of over 30 new faculty members and corresponding teaching methods, an evolving forestry sector, and shifting public perceptions about the role of forests and natural resources in tackling global challenges. The Faculty engaged Strategy and Decision Support to lead the development of a new strategic plan. This plan aimed to be both actionable and responsive to the Faculty's unique circumstances.

Our Actions:

• Developed and managed the overall project plan and governance structure using an approach based on collaboration, inclusive consultation, and data-driven decision-making
• Led a comprehensive engagement process to gather input from the Faculty's internal and external partners—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other collaborators from the broader community. These consultations yielded over 5,000 diverse perspectives, aspirations, and ideas, which informed both the strategic framework and tactical components of the plan
• Facilitated structured planning sessions with the Faculty's Senior Management Team to synthesize data and insights gathered from listening sessions, engage in substantive discussions about strategic priorities, and develop a concrete, actionable plan

Results:

• Developed a new five-year plan, effective 2025, that is both actionable and focused on a coherent strategy to achieve clearly articulated goals
• Positioned the Faculty to better reflect the evolving sector landscape and respond more effectively to the communities it serves, with an emphasis on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, inclusivity, Indigeneity, and sustainability

"The SDS team brought to our strategic planning process an invaluable structure and depth. Their insights and direction helped to keep the process on track, and key players informed. In addition, they were able to bring to the table all of the necessary voices to inform our Strategic Plan, resulting in a truly collaborative approach, and an inspired, actionable five-year strategy for the Faculty.”  

-Rob Kozak, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry