University of Alberta for Tomorrow Vision, Principles and Goals

As we develop our plans for strategic transformation, we are guided by the University of Alberta's institutional vision, mission, and strategic plan, For the Public Good.

Treaty Acknowledgement

The University of Alberta resides on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. This territory is a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples whose histories, languages and cultures continue to influence our community. To acknowledge the territory is to recognize the longer history of these lands. The acknowledgement signifies our commitment to working in Good Relations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples as we engage in our institutional work, uplifting the whole people, for the university for tomorrow.

One university: UAT Vision

The University of Alberta has embarked on a period of major transformation, building on its long history of leadership in the province and in Canada's post-secondary sector. With fundamental systemic reform, we can set a bold new direction for the university of tomorrow. We can strengthen our core teaching, research, and community engagement mission and enrich student experience, while addressing the current funding crisis. Together, we can renew and grow U of A's global leadership in higher education and research and drive even greater social and economic growth, innovation, and creativity for the public good of the province and beyond.

UAT Strategic Goals

By 2022

  • Successful transformation: The U of A has transformed its administrative and academic structures in line with peer institutions and the U of A's EDI strategic plan and to realize our commitment to sustain a respectful and meaningful response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
  • Financial sustainability: The U of A has realized $127M in administrative savings and has an organizational structure that can sustain operational change into the future. 
  • Enhanced student experience: Student experience is enhanced through coordination, rationalization, and centralization of student services. 
  • Enhanced staff engagement: Staff are highly engaged and better equipped than ever to advance the university's mission due to streamlined, more efficient delivery of services.
  • Increased innovation and entrepreneurship: An ambitious program of new revenue generation is ready to launch to expand existing programs and develop new ones that are highly responsive to student and employer demand.

By 2026

  • New levels of impact and engagement: U of A's research and teaching impact and community engagement has never been greater, advancing economic growth and building an inclusive, equitable, just, prosperous, and creative society with opportunity for all.
  • Expanded enrolment: Making the most of positive demographic trends and leading Alberta's growing participation rate, the U of A has expanded enrolment to over 50,000, increasing the diversity and inclusivity of our student community with growing numbers from Indigenous communities and other equity-deserving groups. 
  • New investment in student programming: The U of A is a global leader in technology-enhanced teaching and learning, with a dramatically expanded range of work-integrated learning opportunities and new cutting edge online programs reaching students across Canada as well as around the world.
  • Rise in global rankings: The U of A has secured its rank within the top 100 global universities, with an unprecedented ability to attract and retain talented students and faculty from around the world.
  • Greater self-sufficiency: With new revenue streams, the U of A has dramatically reduced dependence on government grants from almost 60 per cent of operating revenue in 2017/18 to less than 40 per cent in 2024/25.