The Strategic Framework: Differentiating Acadia

The post-secondary education landscape in Canada is highly competitive, with institutions contending for students and funding against essential priorities like healthcare and infrastructure. Despite this, Acadia University remains dedicated to providing undergraduate students with a personalized experience that fosters community engagement, environmental stewardship, global citizenship, and entrepreneurship.

Acadia’s commitment to preserving the essence of undergraduate education sets it apart from other institutions that have shifted towards research-intensive programs.

With the rise of technology-based learning tools during the pandemic, Canadian post-secondary students express interest in institutions that align with their digital lifestyle and prioritize mental health and well-being while also providing a fulfilling campus life. However, the pandemic has also demonstrated that in-person experience and engagement are an essential part of high-quality living and learning.

According to a KPMG poll in September 2021 of Canadian post-secondary students:

• 76% believe that universities of the future will look different from current institutions;

• 80% prefer an educational experience that aligns with their digital lifestyle; and

• 88% want online access to their university experience.

Meanwhile:

• 71% of students consider campus life a top priority;

• 82% expect their institution to have a clear plan for going carbon-neutral; and

• 82% wish their institution would prioritize mental health and well-being.

The Acadia 2025 plan was not designed with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, yet significant progress has been made towards achieving its goals. This progress, coupled with the foundation that has been laid, will help Acadia in attracting students of today and tomorrow whose expectations for higher education have been reshaped by the pandemic.