Building up the Communities We Serve
Strategic Direction 3
Laurentian will focus on building trusting relationships for the local and global success of the Northern, francophone, and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) communities that it serves.
This strategic direction was inspired by the following insights from the consultation and research process:
- Laurentian’s location in Sudbury, the fastest-growing urban hub in Northern Ontario, strategically positions it to play a pivotal role in driving and contributing to the City’s and region’s economic growth.
- Laurentian has been, and is expected to be, a collaborative and engaged partner with northern, Francophone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in building up their economic, social, environmental, and technological potential through its programs and research, as well as its ability to provide transformative platforms for Indigenous knowledge, French language, and culture.
- The dedication of Laurentian community alumni and industry stakeholders, who value and seek further collaboration with Laurentian to drive innovation and prosperity at local, regional, national and global levels.
Strategic Goals and Initiatives
To advance Connection, Innovation, and Impact for its communities, Laurentian will:
Build Northern Ontario’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability
- Connecting Local and Global: Work with the City of Greater Sudbury, Northeastern Ontario, and with Indigenous communities to develop and implement reciprocal exchange and partnership initiatives in areas of shared interest and jointly seek out opportunities to connect the region to economically, socially, and culturally significant national and international markets.
- Inter-Institutional Collaboration: Further build program and research relationships with Ontario universities and colleges of applied arts and technology inside and outside the region for the benefit of Northern students, faculty, and industry.
- A Go-To Community Destination: Develop a multi-year business plan to optimize the year-round (365 days) community use of Laurentian’s non-academic physical assets, including its recreational and athletic facilities and equipment.
Re-imagine the Laurentian Varsity Brand
- A Varsity Brand Aligned with Northern Values and Identity: Undertake a process that engages both the campus and broader communities to re-imagine Laurentian’s Voyageurs varsity brand to be more reflective of Northern values and the University’s bilingual and tricultural mandate.
Establish Strong Local and Global Industry, Alumni and Donor Networks
- Reconnect and Leverage: Develop strategies and initiatives to grow relationships with Laurentian’s academic and research partners across various industries and its alumni and donors in support of building distinctive and mutually beneficial collaborations.
Related Goals within Academic Plan
- Goal 12 Reconnect and Leverage Existing Partnerships
- Goal 13 Expand Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Goal 14 Align Advancement with Academic Priorities
Related Goals within Strategic Research Plan
- Goal 9 Advance Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Research
- Goal 10 Support Emerging Research Opportunities
- Goal 11 Build Strong Local and Global Research Collaborations
- Goal 12 Align Advancement with Strategic Research Priorities
2025 Key Performance Indicators
LU celebrates 50 Years of the Franco-Ontarian flag
September 25 was a significant day on campus as the Laurentian community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. Laurentian University is a leader
in French-language program delivery, with 35 programs and 106 program pathways.
in French-language program delivery, with 35 programs and 106 program pathways.
LU students succeed in Summer Company Program
Several Laurentian University students spent the summer turning their business ideas into reality, thanks to a key partnership with the city of Greater Sudbury’s Regional
Business Centre. The University’s Foundry provided two exclusive grants to the 2025 Summer Company program, celebrating a record 16 student entrepreneurs who launched their own businesses.
Business Centre. The University’s Foundry provided two exclusive grants to the 2025 Summer Company program, celebrating a record 16 student entrepreneurs who launched their own businesses.
Ted Nolan for National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. Annually observed on
or near June 21st because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day
of the year, it offers learning opportunities to appreciate the richness and diversity of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
or near June 21st because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day
of the year, it offers learning opportunities to appreciate the richness and diversity of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
2025 Strategic Goals Progress
Reimagine the Laurentian Varsity Brand
| Strategic Initiatives | KPI | 2025 (baseline) |
|---|---|---|
| Varsity Brand Aligned with Northern Values and Identity: Undertake a process that engages both the campus and broader communities to re-imagine Laurentian’s Voyageurs varsity brand to be more reflective of Northern values and the University’s bilingual and tricultural mandate. | Regular reporting on the progressive phases of consultation, design and rollout of re-imagined varsity brand by Fall 2026 | Phase 2 complete |
Establish Strong Local and Global Industry, Alumni and Donor Networks
| Strategic Initiatives | KPI | 2025 (baseline) |
|---|---|---|
| Reconnect and Leverage: Develop strategies and initiatives to grow relationships with Laurentian’s academic and research partners across various industries and its alumni and donors in support of building distinctive and mutually beneficial collaborations. | Number of private research collaborators or sponsors | 25 |
| Number of annual meetings with alumni and/or donors | 61 |