Launch
Advance
‍Evolve


Our Commitment
Our Purpose
Our Foundation
Our Pillars
Our Future

Our Commitment

This plan is about defining who we are, where we want to go, and how to get there. We have an excellent record and a rich history of serving our community in Calgary and the surrounding area; now is the time to take the best of what we offer and look to the future.

Our Purpose

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Our Vision

Bow Valley College advances
transformative education,
launching careers to new heights.

Classroom

Our Mission

To empower all students.
To challenge our thinking.
To remove barriers.
To create opportunity.
To make all learning count.

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Our Values

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Respect

We embrace diverse perspectives with trust and compassion and challenge each other with civility. Our actions and words have power, and our collective strength is elevated when we recognize this. We hold space for diverse perspectives by being open, empathetic and compassionate.

Indigenous Insights

Learning is life, and life is learning. Learning is a journey that continues long after we are gone. The circle symbolizes the cycles of life and the transfer of knowledge—there is no beginning or end. The circle is sacred and represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of being. It means respect for the land, ancestors, ourselves, and all our relations. Inside the circle, we are all equal.

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Creativity

We challenge the status quo. Curiosity drives innovation in everything we do. We support each other to overcome challenges, embrace new ideas and bold actions, shape unconventional solutions, and courageously take risks. Together, we are building an environment that champions creativity and celebrates innovation and positive change.

Indigenous Insights

The star represents the birth of creation and the constant that connects past, present, and future generations. Under this constant star, art, traditions, customs, and stories have flourished as they are passed down. The beauty of creation is represented by the star.

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Inclusion

We all belong. We create an environment where every individual is seen, heard, valued, and recognized. We acknowledge and work to overcome our own biases, fostering an environment of empathy, allyship, and equal opportunity. We celebrate our unique differences and diverse perspectives.

Indigenous Insights

Our future depends on learning and understanding each other for mutual benefit, sustainability, and equal opportunity. We must include all humans on our journey, of all races, creeds, and abilities.

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Resilience

We rise. We embrace uncertainty and change with optimism, knowing we will bounce back and grow. We are equipped to adapt, persist, and learn through setbacks and adversity.

Indigenous Insights

Indigenous Peoples are resilient. Despite hundreds of years of attempted genocide, strong communities continue to lead the way and find the courage to climb mountains and reduce barriers to success.

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Teamwork

We are better together. Our strength lies in relationships. We make the greatest impact when we work in partnership. We are a community of collaborators and co-creators who celebrate our combined efforts.

Indigenous Insights

Succeed with honesty, respect, trust, and honour in understanding as the foundation of our relationships. By listening and learning, we work together for the strength of community.

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Our Foundation

Exceptional student and employee experience

Students >

Students

Students

Our students put us on the map. With them, we co-create an exceptional, personalized, and inclusive experience where each student is valued. We leverage technology and innovative processes to align cutting-edge learning pathways with changing student and industry needs to launch and evolve dynamic careers.

Outcomes

• Customized, seamless, and inclusive experience.

• The student life experience meets and anticipates evolving student needs inside and outside the classroom.

Markers of success

• Ranked within the top 5% of colleges in Canada in student engagement by 2030.

Number one college in Canada in student completion by 2030.

• New student life space is commissioned by 2035.

Key initiatives

• Expand program accessibility by enhancing learning flexibility.

• Create distinct student life spaces and programming responsive to domestic, Indigenous, and international student expectations.

• Introduce physical and virtual environments that enhance technological literacy.

• Tailor seamless processes and wrap-around supports to the needs of the diverse student body.

Enablers

• Strategic Enrolment Management Plan

• Student Experience Plan

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan

• Mental Health Plan

• Indigenous Framework

• Digital Framework

• Career Development Framework

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Students

Employee >

Employee

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Our people belong at Bow Valley College. We are more than just an employer; we are a community of leaders. We celebrate diversity, work collaboratively, think creatively, and innovate fearlessly.

We attract, develop, and retain top talent and invest in providing growth opportunities and cultivating a supportive environment for our employees. Every member of our team feels valued, respected, and inspired to contribute their best as they evolve in their career.

Outcomes

• Employees experience continuous growth and development.

• Employees actively embrace and live the college’s values.

• Employees have a sense of belonging at the college.

Markers of success

• 80% employee engagement by 2030.

• 85% overall inclusion score by 2035.

• All employees have approved professional development plans.

Key initiatives

• Integrate Leadership Development framework into systems and processes.

• Implement training and development framework with a focus on future skills integration.

• Implement professional development plans for all employees.

• Update processes and systems to support employee lifecycle programs.

Enablers

• Leadership Development Framework

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan

• Talent Plan

• Indigenous Framework

• Employee Wellness Plan

• Digital Framework

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Employee
Our Pillars

High-quality and future-oriented education

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Launch

High-quality and future-oriented education

A Bow Valley College education prepares students for their career journey and a lifetime of learning and growth. Our innovative approaches to program development ensure our graduates have the skills they need to thrive in the evolving world of work.

We deliver high-quality programming that combines academic excellence with practical relevance. Our faculty is on the cutting edge, adapting our curriculum and teaching to reflect the latest developments and innovations across many fields and disciplines.

Outcomes

Employers’ institution of choice for talent.

Innovative and exemplary teaching and curriculum development.

• Graduates have the skills they need to launch great careers.

Recognized for excellence in healthcare programming and applied research.

Markers of success

• Top-ranked college in Alberta for graduates who are employed in their field of study.

• 95% of programs are designed and delivered in competency based format.

• One degree program is launched by 2030 in healthcare.

• Every student has a work integrated learning experience.

• Top 20 Research College in Canada.

Key initiatives

• Work with employers to identify skills and competencies needed for employment success in high demand sectors.

• Increase faculty participation in instructional development and scholarly activities.

• Reimagine workforce development training through competency-based education micro-credentials.

• Embed new cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning spaces in programs.

• Offer degree-level programming in areas of specialization including health, technology, and entertainment arts.

• Anticipate labour market priorities and proactively align with programming portfolio.

• Establish a healthcare centre of excellence.

Enablers

• Strategic Enrolment Management Plan

• Academic and Research Priorities

• Program Quality Assurance Framework

• Digital Learning Framework

• Strategic Partnerships Plan

• Work Integrated Learning Framework

• Professional Learning Framework

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Launch

Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach

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Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach

We are Calgary’s college. As a trusted partner, we will drive innovation and cultivate entrepreneurship to enrich our community. Globally, we will offer high-quality academic programs and innovative instructional practices, advancing solutions through technology and digital adoption. Leveraging our expertise, resources, and networks, we co-create solutions for complex challenges and opportunities.

Outcomes

•  Recognized as an essential contributor to Calgary’s social and economic success.

• Collaborations with global partners to address talent and skills gaps.

• Reinforced financial resilience through sustainable recruitment practices, enterprising and philanthropic initiatives, and applied research.

Markers of success

• Grow enrolment to 12,000 Full Load Equivalents (FLEs) by 2030 and to 20,000 FLEs by 2035.

• Expanded college footprint in downtown Calgary by 2035.

• Establish strategic partnerships to deliver programs overseas in three regions by 2030.

Key initiatives

• Develop philanthropic success through campaigns and partnerships.

• Stimulate talent development and economic growth in health technology and creative industries.

• Establish viable and sustainable alternative revenue sources.

• Foster existing and develop new global partnerships to offer skills development training internationally.

Enablers

• Strategic Enrolment Management Plan

• Academic and Research Priorities

• Strategic Partnerships Plan

• Alumni Engagement Plan

• Fund Development Plan

• Government Relations Plan

• Global Engagement Plan

• Sustainability Plan

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Dynamic ecosystem for career success

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Evolve

Dynamic ecosystem for career success

Today’s career journey is a winding, evolving, and rewarding adventure. From the moment they join Bow Valley College, students set out on a journey with clearly identified career goals. Dynamic careers are realized through lifelong learning opportunities and meaningful connections. Our integrated network of students, faculty, staff, employers, industry partners, and alumni collectively supports vibrant and fulfilling professional journeys.

Outcomes

• College of choice for prospective students to achieve their career aspirations.

• Career development framework that sets students up for rewarding career journeys from day one.

• Connected and engaged career network that supports ongoing career development and advancement.

Markers of success

• Graduates' median annual income increases by 30% over ten years.

• All incoming students identify Bow Valley College as their first choice to pursue their program of study.

• All students in foundational and language programs are admitted to career programs by 2030.

Key initiatives

• Create a robust career development framework providing lifetime access to career development services and resources.

• Connect students and alumni with ongoing training and certifications that complement, maintain, or advance employment opportunities.

• Align systems and processes to facilitate seamless pathways from foundational to career programs.

• Ensure every student participates in a work integrated learning experience in their field of study.

• Enhance the online career platform to connect students to employers and jobs.

Enablers

• Strategic Enrolment Management Plan

• Academic and Research Priorities

• Student Experience Plan

• Indigenous Framework

• Work Integrated Learning Framework

• Career Development Framework

• Alumni Engagement Plan

• Strategic Partnerships Plan

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Evolve

Our Future

Bow Valley College is Calgary’s college. Professional journeys start here. We are here to launch, advance, and evolve careers.

Everything we do is to empower students to achieve success through high-quality, career-relevant programs, and personalized wrap-around supports. We are inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

We prioritize students by equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to not only graduate but also thrive in their chosen careers. We do this by strategically aligning our goals and innovations in applied research and technology with the economic and social needs of today and tomorrow.

The world is changing and so is Calgary. The city is dynamic and innovative. As Calgary’s largest downtown post-secondary campus, we are a catalyst for change and growth, creating opportunities in education and career advancement—for students and employees.

Bow Valley College students thrive because we are passionate about what we do. Employees feel supported in their personal and professional growth and are provided with the tools they need to excel. We support student success.

Our impact is felt locally and globally.

Our North Star is career-focused education, ensuring every student participates in a career program.

We are Bow Valley College.

Land Acknowledgement

Bow Valley College aims to uphold the intention of the numbered friendship treaties from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. As an Education institution in Treaty 7 territory, it is our responsibility to pursue a deeper understanding of this Treaty, so that we can respect and honour its terms, and respect Indigenous Peoples’ legal and inherent rights. As a college, we know we have more to learn, and that there is more we can do to deepen our capacity to work alongside Indigenous communities in reciprocal ways.

We acknowledge the Blackfoot Confederacy: which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Amskapi Piikani First Nations; we acknowledge the Îyâxe Nakoda: which includes the Goodstoney, Chiniki, and Bearspaw First Nations; and we acknowledge the Tsuut’ina First Nation.

We also acknowledge the historical Northwest Métis homeland and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta, districts 4, 5, and 6 in Battle River territory.

We acknowledge and express our gratitude to the Indigenous caretakers of this land, and we join all Nations in celebrating the unique histories, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples as we continue our journey of reconciliation together.