In August 2009, Stephen J. Toope, President and Vice-Chancellor, presented his vision of international engagement, International Engagement and Global Influence: How Ambitious is the University of British Columbia? In it, he put forward the idea of having an advisory council to consider the way forward for UBC’s international engagement.

In November 2009, John Hepburn, Vice-President Research & International, convened the International Advisory Council to assist in developing strategy for UBC’s international engagement. 

In addition, having made a decision early in 2010 that the international strategic plan would designate areas of geographic focus, three working groups were formed. Each working group was made up of members of the Advisory Council as well as other faculty members working in the area. Each working group met three times to discuss the regional elements of the plan. Various other consultative meetings were held, for example with administrators responsible for the implementation of international programs for students, and faculty representatives.

This draft strategic plan reflects the discussions of the Council and the working groups. It has also been circulated for comment and consultation to the Committee of Deans, the Committee of Faculty International Advisors and the UBC Senate.

Please see below for the current draft of the plan.

View or download a PDF version of the draft strategic plan.