The university community has identified an opportunity and need to define a single set of university-wide values that will complement our mission and vision.
In Forward Together: The University of Alberta People Strategy 2024-2034, we committed to developing these shared values and ensuring their alignment with existing institutional documents — including statements, plans and commitments — that embed these values and principles.
Because our community and culture are at the heart of this initiative, we are now encouraging you to share your voice and participate in shaping our institutional values at an upcoming “values lab.” These interactive, drop-in sessions will provide a space for our university community to engage with one another, in-person and online, building on the themes, thoughts and ideas captured through other consultations. For anyone unable to attend, an online survey will also be available.
During periods of change and uncertainty, values provide a stable foundation. They offer a common language and understanding that help to align our actions and decisions. By grounding ourselves in these shared values, we can better navigate complex challenges, make difficult choices and stay focused on our long-term vision. They will build supportive environments, strengthen relationships and empower our community for decades to come.
In our current environment, an understanding of our shared values is more important than ever. These values will not be abstract concepts. Instead, they will be tangible representations of who we are, what we stand for and how we aspire to engage with our community and the world.
This process is not about creating something entirely new; instead, it is about capturing the essence of our identity. Ensuring our values are authentic and relevant, and translate into meaningful behaviours and decisions is crucial.
As we begin this journey together, remember that our values will be more than words on a page. They will inform our decisions, guide our actions and help us build a stronger, more adaptable institution.
More information on how you can get involved can be found here.
Thank you for lending your voices to this important work.
Verna Yiu
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Todd Gilchrist
Vice-President (University Services, Operations and and Finance)