Focuses on the development of effective and practical plans using a results-based and systems-thinking focus. Explores various models and frameworks for developing both strategic and operational plans. Introduces systems thinking models, concepts and tools for examining complex and inter-dependent issues of significant importance to the post-secondary educational leader. Explores the philosophical and historical antecedents that inform current systems thinking models as well as current approaches to educational planning and development. Examines the role of evidence-based decision making and the use of data-driven strategies in support of developing, implementing, and reviewing plans. Investigates institutional management and planning as an inclusive and collaborative process.
Explores the core concepts of Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM). Requires critical analysis of theory and its application in practice; the challenges leaders, practitioners and institutions encounter pertaining to SEM; strategies aligned with the recruitment and retention of students; and the different stakeholders’ perspectives of SEM.
Critical analysis and application of strategic enrolment management theory, skills and knowledge. Explores the key components of a SEM plan, analyzing of enrolment data, financial reports and alignment of academic and co-curricular programs.
Focuses on leaders’ capacity to influence change. Examines new and emerging models of leadership and considers their implications for the design and organization of post-secondary educational environments. Introduces systems, leadership and change theories. Considers how to inspire and lead innovation to foster student learning and institution-wide success.
Examines the roles that higher education plays in contributing to society from both Canadian and international perspectives. Considers how international, national and provincial policies shape and define higher education systems. Takes a critical stance on higher educational institutions’ design and organization. Considers issues of governance and institutional culture in various higher educational contexts.
Examines the leader’s role in initiating, supporting, and sustaining innovation and change in higher education environments. Explores leadership and change-oriented models and theories that can be applied to higher education contexts. Considers the important role of organizational culture and how it affects both leadership approaches and organizational change models. Articulates how communication, collaboration and collegiality influence the change process. Engages participants in how to work effectively with disparate stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, government, interest groups, etc.) to promote positive organizational change.
Examines how the finance, marketing, labour relations, and recruitment functions of higher education institutions need to work together to support enrolment growth and institutional development. Considers the implications and opportunities for developing effective collective bargaining processes. Explores the innovative ways that higher education institutions raise funds, market programs, and develop recruiting strategies to support programs and services.
Introduces the concept of public accountability and what it means in a post-secondary context. Explores the roles played by quality assurance and accountability systems in supporting organizational effectiveness. Looks at current models of quality assurance. Examines tensions between the concepts of improvement and accountability and considers the interests and perspectives of different internal and external stakeholders towards assuring educational quality.
Introduces the range of models for integrating technology into the higher education learning environment. Examines the impact of introducing online learning into a traditional institution as well as the role of social media in supporting student learning. Explores student service options required in technology-mediated learning environments and the challenges involved in their provision. Considers the needs of students, and the role of staff and faculty professional development programs in supporting students.