The following SEM goals and strategies will guide university recruitment, retention and student success actions for the next five years (2024-29).
Goal one
Regain and stabilize VIU’s student enrolment by:
- growing the new domestic student population by 2% annually
- achieving the new international undergraduate student population targets provided by the Province of BC (for 2024, 346 enrolments; numbers will adjust annually)
- growing the international graduate student population by 10% annually
Note: international student enrolment will be managed with BC government expectations that overall international student enrolment does not exceed 30%.
Strategy one
Clearly define recruitment targets and create tailored comprehensive plans to drive action.
Strategy two
Align all recruitment materials and communications with our brand.
Strategy three
Provide enhanced, responsive and effective scholarships, bursaries and awards that will attract students and increase the likelihood of their success.
Strategy four
Continue to shift VIU’s recruitment culture to a university-wide perspective that emphasizes collaboration, coordination, transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
Goal two
Recognize, embrace and support students looking to VIU as an initial step in their educational journey.
Strategy one
Using the framework of Exploratory Studies, create a manageable inventory of transfer pathways to other institutions and promote these opportunities in our marketing and recruitment activities.
Strategy two
Consider options to bring greater awareness to general diploma and certificate options.
Strategy three
Create a limited array of shorter-term Student Record System (SRS) goals to align with Exploratory Studies and encourage students to self-declare and manage their declarations.
Strategy four
Provide proactive and passive advising to students in general diploma, certificate or transfer pathways.
Goal three
Following the Strategic Retention Model (SRM), increase student persistence by 3% annually to reach the goal retention rates as follows:
BA
- 55% for Term 1 to Term 7 (first fall to third fall)
- 39% for graduation by Term 18 (end of sixth year)
BSc
- 70% for Term 1 to Term 7 (first fall to third fall)
- 48% for graduation by Term 18 (end of sixth year). This represents a 5% increase
BBA
- 69% for Term 1 to Term 7 (first fall to third fall)
- 57% for graduation by Term 18 (end of sixth year)
Strategy one
Create a stronger sense of belonging between first year students and the university.
Strategy two
Review and enhance the advising model to support students through every stage of the degree journey.
Strategy three
Create more flexible pathways to program completion.
Goal four
Enact the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Calls to Action by increasing Indigenous learner access to education.
Strategy one
Increase the number of enrolled Indigenous learners by 3% annually by creating a targeted Indigenous recruitment plan.
Strategy two
Improve retention by developing new and enhancing current supports that create a sense of community and connection for Indigenous learners at VIU.
Strategy three
Invest in and provide education and professional development of the VIU community to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of institutional progress on the TRC and United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Goal five
By 2027, VIU will enhance and expand experiential learning opportunities that lead to career-building experiences.
Strategy one
Conduct an institutional audit of all experiential learning and VIU and increase the number of programs that offer these experiences by 2027.
Strategy two
Develop an institution-wide model for WIL that is implemented across undergraduate, graduate and trade programs.