Prince George, B.C. – The University of Northern British Columbia is embracing the momentum of an inspiring new five-year academic plan as the 2025-26 school year gets underway. 

The Ready Roadmap: Academic Plan 2025-2031 reflects the voices of the UNBC community, underscores the University’s commitment to ensuring exceptional student learning opportunities and honours the vision of the original 16,000 champions of a University in northern B.C., for northern B.C.

“Students played a vital role in shaping this plan by sharing their experiences, perspectives and ideas, and that’s what makes it so meaningful,” says UNBC graduate and former student-athlete Bella Mesquita, who served on the Academic Plan Advisory and Working Committee. “It’s a roadmap that puts students at the centre of everything, ensuring their voices are heard and their success is the priority. That kind of commitment makes a real difference in the student experience.”

The academic plan builds on UNBC’s Strategic Plan Ready and emphasizes academic excellence, experiential learning, inclusive growth and the University’s continued leadership across the region and beyond. It sets eight key priorities: 

• Driving Strategic Enrolment Growth and Impact
• Empowering Indigenous Voices & Knowledge at UNBC
• Transforming Curriculum and Pioneering Pedagogical Innovation
• Building a Bold and Inclusive Regional Strategy
• Expanding Global Impact through International Strategy
• Optimizing Resource Allocation for Maximum Academic Impact
• Empowering Lifelong Learning and Enhancing the Role of Continuing Studies
• Championing Faculty Excellence and Development 

“As UNBC reflects on 35 years of impact, this plan represents the next chapter in the University’s story,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “UNBC’s future continues to be inspired by the founding principles that launched the institution in 1990: regional relevance, community engagement and academic excellence. I extend my deep gratitude to members of the advisory committee for leading a robust, inclusive process to shape this important roadmap.”

The plan was developed through extensive engagement opportunities on campus and online, with contributions from students, faculty, staff and alumni. The refresh was undertaken alongside the renewal of UNBC’s Ready Roadmap: Research Plan and the creation of the Global Engagement Plan: Ready for Student Success.

“We heard from voices from across the UNBC community and the perspectives shared guided and informed all three plans, enhancing the University’s ‘Student First’ approach and staying true to the founders’ vision of empowering northern communities,” says Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost Dr. Bill Owen, who led the renewal process. “Together, these three plans ensure UNBC will remain responsive, innovative and relevant in the face of local and global trends in higher education for years to come.”

The 2025 UNBC Teaching and Learning Conference held at the Prince George campus last month was grounded in the principles of the new Ready Roadmap, highlighting the transformative power of these forward-looking plans.

“With an emphasis on curriculum renewal and innovative teaching strategies, the academic plan’s priorities provide a renewed focus for our work as educators and researchers,” says Research and Learning Services Librarian Dr. Kealin McCabe, who was also on the advisory committee. “They support faculty and staff efforts in developing initiatives that deliver exceptional student learning experiences, research excellence and further deepen meaningful connections with community.”

Complementing the University’s mission to Ignite, Inspire and Lead Change, this suite of plans offers a dynamic academic vision for the next five years, ensuring UNBC continues to lead as an institution of academic and regional excellence.