Background & process

Background

Dalhousie has developed its digital strategy to leverage an increasing digital world to positively impact our academic mission in research, teaching, service, student life, as well as in processes and systems in administrative and support functions, as a foundational support for all aspects of the University.

As the University undertakes renewal of its strategic priorities and direction, a comprehensive digital foundation is an essential enabler.  Therefore, in parallel with the final phase of completing the University’s strategic plan, a digital strategy was created to provide a framework related to data governance, security, infrastructure, and services to ensure the University is digitally prepared to address the University’s priorities and requirements.

Process

• In September 2020; Provost and Vice-President, Academic appointed a Digital Strategy Steering Committee (DSSC) to develop a digital strategy for Dalhousie University based on broad university consultation, best practices, evidence-based information, and experience (See Appendix A). 
  
  
• The DSSC began meeting in October and created a process to quickly obtain input from across the University, through a series of 29 discussion groups, on six broad topics and subtopics related to the University mission. Please see Appendix B for discussion group topics and Appendix C for discussion group participants. Additional consultations took place with the six subcommittees of the Accessibility Committee during November. 
  
  
• The discussion groups met through November and early December, wrapping up with a reflection meeting on December 14, to confirm the discussions had been accurately recorded and synthesized into 10 potential goals and 10 potential values. Please see Appendix D for the longer list of potential values and goals. 
  
  
• The DSSC took the synthesized data from the discussion groups and created the first draft of the Digital Strategy, to share with the University community for wide and extensive consultation in January. 
  
  
• A thoughtful, comprehensive Implementation Plan for the Digital Strategy has been identified as a critical success factor, including key performance indicators and clear accountability by units involved.
  
  
• Resource requirements will be outlined in the Implementation Plan to ensure goals in the Digital Strategy receive appropriate support.