Explore Third Century Promise

Building on our 200+ years of history


As one of Canada’s leading – and Atlantic Canada’s foremost – institution of higher learning, research, and innovation, and expanding on our role as a major driver of provincial and regional economies, our plan comprises four inter-connected pillars of strategic intent.

Our objective is to accelerate Dalhousie on the path to global distinction while further deepening our commitment as a civic university dedicated to uplifting our communities. Our plan's four pillars will stand on the bedrock of the fifth—modernizing and enhancing our physical, digital, and social infrastructure to support our drive for inclusion and distinction:

Dalhousie will embark on a sustained campaign to be recognized as the best in Canada and among top ranked universities globally for a transformative learning and life experience, leading students to successful careers, professional designations, or advanced graduate degrees. Explore this strategic pillar.

We will invest in developing a more welcoming, inclusive, and caring culture for all regardless of one’s background and circumstance, with an emphasis on wellness, accessibility, respect, and support for all members of our communities. Learn more.

Through sustained and well-resourced strategic initiative, Dalhousie will continue
to improve our position in the THE and QS world university rankings with the aim of rising into the world’s top 200 universities, and among the top 50 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) Impact Ranking. Explore our plans.

Dalhousie will establish a framework for intentional impact built upon shared priorities established with our governments and other partners. These priorities will create a foundation on which drivers of our emergence as a top research university are mapped onto drivers of economic and social prosperity, and from which mutually reinforcing programs and initiatives are planned. Learn more.

Dalhousie will renew its physical, governance, financial, administrative, and digital infrastructure, and will review and update its multi-campus master plan to identify priorities related to critical infrastructure and facilities renewal: buildings, classroom design, accessibility, core research facilities, labs, offices, libraries and other essential space needs. Explore this strategic pillar.


Deep Saini, President & Vice-Chancellor of Dalhousie University

President's message

Student looking at camera with arms crossed

Our mission, vision and values