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Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
Take part in the Strategic Planning Validation Survey
The Faculty of Health Sciences, in partnership with StrategyCorp Inc., is developing a new strategic plan to guide its priorities, goals, and activities for the next five years and beyond. Over the last several weeks, StrategyCorp has gathered feedback, insights, and perspectives from FHS staff, students, faculty, and partners in addition to conducting internal workshops to develop a high-level draft FHS Strategic Plan.
To test and validate that draft plan, the FHS community is invited to complete a survey to review and comment on the key components of the proposed new strategic framework. The key components include the mission, vision, and values, and strategic directions and objectives.
The results of this survey – combined with information gained from focus groups, pop-ups, and additional research – will ensure the final FHS Strategic Plan is practical, forward-looking, and reflective of the FHS community.
The survey will remain open until December 12, 2025, and is confidential.
Key findings from the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Current State Report
The Current State Key Findings Report, developed by StrategyCorp, presents findings on the Faculty of Health Sciences’ current strategic and operating environments to inform and guide the faculty’s strategic planning.
The report’s findings draw on research interviews, focus groups, and both internal and external surveys, which included responses from 240 students, 14 external partners, 70 staff members, and 65 faculty members. It confirms the Faculty of Health Sciences’ strengths in teaching quality, collegial culture, and community connection. Participants also identified the need for stronger integration across Schools, improved communication and supports, and sustained leadership in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization and Accessibility (EDIDA).
Below are the five core themes and key insights from the Current State Report.
Academic Demand & Program Mix
Health sciences programs remain in high demand and are closely aligned with workforce needs. Initiatives such as program renewal and increased flexibility – through hybrid delivery, interdisciplinary approaches, and work-integrated learning – are modernizing education and expanding student pathways.
Research Impact & Partnerships
The Faculty of Health Sciences has a strong and growing research enterprise, supported by new infrastructure and collaborations with Schulich, academic teaching hospitals, and other key community partners. Further coordination and visibility are needed to enhance interdisciplinary impact and external recognition.
People & Culture
The Faculty of Health Sciences’ collegial and student-centered culture is a major strength. However, workload pressures, uneven support, and the need to more fully embed principles of EDIDA remain ongoing challenges.
Collaboration & Integration
While the Faculty of Health Sciences thrives on interdisciplinarity, barriers to full integration across Schools persist. Greater internal coordination and alignment across Western's teaching and research health enterprise can strengthen identity, visibility, and shared success.
Financial & Structural Sustainability
Fiscal constraints, infrastructure renewal needs, and administrative fragmentation pose operational challenges. Diversifying revenue streams and modernizing governance and data systems are essential to ensure long-term sustainability.
Read the full Current State Key Findings Report
Strategic Planning Validation Survey
How do I get involved?
Take part in the Strategic Planning Validation Survey before December 12 to have your say on a new strategic plan for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
How are we progressing?
