Whywedid it:
These consultations are part of an initiative undertaken
by theCouncil of OntarioUniversities (COU) to hear
what Ontarians think about the provincial university
system, andwhat theywant from universities to
prepare citizens for the future. Here inWindsor, we
widened that inquiry to learnwhether participants feel
that theUniversity ofWindsor is fulfilling its role as a
catalyst to secure the region’s prosperity and livability.
We alsowanted to learnmore about the community’s
expectations for the future and the key contributions
theUniversity canmake as the pre-eminent institution
in the region preparing graduates for a dynamic
Windsor-Essex in a changingworld.
Whatwe learned:
The consultations resulted in hundreds of comments,
which were diligently recorded by our facilitators.
We’ve distilled those comments into broad themes
and ideas. In the following pages you will find that
distillation, keeping the original five-sector division that
anchored the consultations. We have also included
summary word clouds, which represent participant
responses to four questions. The size of a word
reflects the frequency of that response.
Whatwepromisedandwhere to, now?
We promised to send participants a report of findings from the community consultations; this report discharges
that promise. From here, we promise to circulate our report to every academic department at the University of
Windsor. We will share these comments and ideas and ensure that those responsible for academic development
are cognizant of this important community feedback. Already, some of the comments are leading to change in how
we deliver courses andprograms and inspiring interest in increased community consultation and integration.
Bob Dylan’s anthemwas written at a time when the baby boomers were coming of age. It presaged a period of
social upheaval that would confront racism, war, social inequality, and consumerism. The challenges todaymay be
different, some the same, but Dylan’s prescription to consult, heed the voices of the young, and not linger on old
nostrums remains timeless.
Good universities prepare their graduates for change; great ones create change. TheUniversity of Windsor aspires
tobe a great university: with your helpwewill fulfil this aspiration in the service of our community.
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