Strategic Plan

ECU exterior at night, lit by architectural lights, with illuminated digital art on the facade and landscaped seating in the courtyard.

Strategic Plan

Co-Created with Community 

Our task was to create a strategic plan that truly reflects the hopes and ambitions of Emily Carr University’s diverse community of students, faculty and staff. A plan that is both ambitious and realistic, visionary and practical, and that can be successfully implemented and evaluated. 

To achieve this, we led an inclusive development process built on widespread engagement. An accompanying implementation plan will help us measure progress and ensure accountability. 


A person wearing a mask stands in front of a massive charcoal drawing on brown paper, depicting two deer with large antlers surrounded by dark, sketchy marks. The figure gently places a hand on one of the deer’s faces.

An Inclusive Engagement Process 

The process began with an open invitation for the ECU community to join the Strategic Planning Advisory Group. The resulting 29-member group then led a range of engagement activities to ensure every student, faculty member, staff and alum had the opportunity to contribute and help shape the plan. 

More than 400 students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in consultations that identified five key priorities and corresponding objectives, refined through ongoing dialogue and inclusive engagement at every stage. 

By the Numbers

  • 400+ students, faculty, staff and alumni participants 
  • 29 members on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee 
  • Six project teams 
  • 13 focus groups with 112 participants from across the community 
  • 13 “Question of the Week” feedback opportunities generating 265 responses