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Our strategic plan

Our Third Century Promise has five pillars of strategic intent to accelerate Dal's path to global distinction and deepen our commitment as a civic university.

Plan pillars

As one of Canada’s leading – and Atlantic Canada’s foremost – institutions of higher learning, research, and innovation, we are expanding on our role as a major driver of provincial and regional economies. Our plan comprises five 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:

1. Exceptional student experience

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 pillar 1
Three students on Studley campus walking in front of the University Club.

2. Inclusive excellence

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.

Explore pillar 2
Three students walk past an informational Mi'kma'ki mural on Dalhousie's Agriculture campus.

3. High-impact research

Building on our legacy of groundbreaking research and outstanding scholarship, we will continue to focus our efforts on growing world-leading research programs in areas of particular strength, and invest in infrastructure that supports our researchers to achieve excellence.

Explore pillar 3
A research wearing purple gloves peers through a microscope.

4. Civic university with global impact

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.

Explore pillar 4
Students walk over a wooden footbridge on Dalhousie's Agriculture campus.

5. A foundation for inclusion and distinction

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 pillar 5
Two students walking along the brightly lit, windowed hall near the entrance of Dal's Health and Wellness Centre.