Planning Process for the 2020–25 A&S Academic Plan, Leveraging Our Strengths
2017–18
The University of Toronto commissions external reviews of faculties as part of its regular cycle of quality assurance.
As a key part of that review process, the faculty prepared a comprehensive self-study of our collective academic and administrative challenges and achievements.
This self-study later helped inform the academic planning process.
2018 Self-Study (UTORid access required)
December 2018 to May 2019
The Dean’s Office engaged in the first phase of the academic planning process, which began with the formation of 8 working groups. Working group topics were derived from the 2018 A&S Priorities Discussion Paper and additional areas of focus highlighted in the 2018 Self-Study for the 2018–19 external review of the faculty. View the membership and terms of reference for each working group (available to all with UTORid access).
The working groups were co-chaired by the vice-deans and chairs of academic units or college principals, and members included faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, alumni and staff members. Each had discussions addressing their respective terms of reference and ultimately produced a report — submitted to the Arts & Science Dean — outlining main points of discussion and recommendations for the faculty.
2018 A&S Priorities Discussion Paper
A&S Working Groups — Membership and Terms of Reference (UTORid access required)
September 2019
The Office of the Dean established an Academic Plan Advisory Committee (APAC — terms of reference and membership). The working group reports, the 2018 A&S Priorities Discussion Paper, and the report and administrative response from the 2018–19 external review of the faculty informed this phase of academic planning.
Academic Plan Advisory Committee (APAC) — Terms of Reference and Membership (UTORid access required)
January to February 2020
Dean Woodin invited students, staff and faculty members to share their insights at on-campus consultation sessions. At these sessions, called strategy hives, participants engaged in small group conversations and visioning exercises to uncover meaningful opportunities for the faculty to pursue.
Anyone unable to attend a session had the opportunity to go online and answer our big question: "How can we enrich opportunities for teaching, learning, and research in Arts & Science by capitalizing on the breadth and strengths across the faculty?" These ideas and conversations were integral to our planning for the next five years.
March to May 2020
The efforts of the working groups and input from the consultation sessions informed the draft plan and the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Plan: Leveraging Our Strengths 2020–25 was approved by the University Academic Board on May 28, 2020.
Update
As of late 2023, Arts & Science is again engaged in the University of Toronto's review process for quality assurance. This process will also help inform our next academic planning cycle.