Lassonde Launches New Strategic Academic Plan Microsite

The Lassonde School of Engineering at York University recently introduced the School’s Strategic Academic Plan (SAP) for 2021-2026 with a brand-new microsite.

As Lassonde has grown exponentially, so too has the positive local and global impact of the Lassonde community, whose different perspectives consistently serve to strengthen the School’s core educational and research mission. First approved by Lassonde’s Faculty Council in October 2021, the SAP was developed through collective self-reflection.

“The SAP sets the stage for new initiatives designed to foster a positive learning and working culture, guided by our shared values as creative changemakers,” says Jane Goodyer, Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering. “We believe it’s important to communicate a clear, compelling vision, which others can then articulate.”

The plan has been brought to life through a dynamic website where the community and stakeholders can see themselves and better relate to Lassonde’s purpose, values and strategic themes. The call to action, particularly for members of the Lassonde community, is to embrace, project and contribute to fulfilling the SAP’s purpose, values and strategic themes to further School today and in the future.

As visitors browse the site, they can see successes highlighted through stories. Each story has a connection to one of Lassonde’s strategic themes and many address one (or more) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), as indicated by the icons attached to each story. These stories are dynamic and continuously updated with the most recent accomplishments from across the School.

“The new SAP site provides a great culmination of the academic and research achievements occurring across Lassonde, including the activities in which our incredible students, faculty and staff are engaged,” says Pamela Edgecombe, Director, Strategic Policy & Planning.  “Sharing current and timely stories about the impact of our work and how it intersects with our community and society in relation to the UN-SDGs, allows for reflection and action in real-time as we innovate for tomorrow.”

Site visitors will immediately see some familiar elements on the site – including shapes that mirror those of the Bergeron Centre windows, one of the School’s unique architectural features and a recurring visual metaphor throughout the site. The wireframe animation of the windows, overlaid across images of Lassonde’s community, is meant to visually highlight growth, curiosity and potential in the SAP. Through a thoughtful development process, the interface design not only highlights the importance and sophistication of the SAP, but also an exuberance for the future of where Lassonde is going.

A key feature of the site includes an open form for visitors to provide feedback on the SAP and other topics of engagement, along with interactive polls throughout the site which encourage visitors to consider and reflect on various initiatives and ideas.

York University community members are invited to explore the website and contribute toward achieving Lassonde’s vision for the future.