Strategic Plan 2012 - 2017
The University of Wolverhampton has a long and cherished history dating back to the Mechanics Institute and the College of Art in the mid-1800s. Later, teacher training colleges and colleges of health were incorporated, all of which helped to develop our rich heritage and a tradition of academic excellence in vocational higher education Indeed our coat of arms carries the motto: ‘Innovation and Opportunity’ - something which is as true today as when we were first established all those years ago.
We are now a leading university and a major player in the UK higher education sector, contributing to knowledge transfer, economic development, wealth creation and social justice.
Times may have changed but our ethos has not; we remain a beacon for widening participation in education.
This strategic plan has been developed at a challenging time within the UK and globally as we seek to come to terms with the impact of a new economic reality.
The University has taken the opportunity to reflect on its role and to commit to a vision for the next five years. Like all universities in England we are faced with a radical shift in the funding environment in which the cost of higher education has been transferred more to the individual student, with significantly reduced state investment.
The strategic plan outlines how we will face up to these challenges over the next five years, developing our own approach to economic regeneration, academic excellence, social inclusion and global engagement.
It sets out a vision in which we will continue to provide a broad range of educational opportunities focused on making a real difference to the lives of individuals, communities and businesses. We will strive to build ladders of progression and social mobility in order to improve individual life chances. We will provide an outstanding student experience, ensuring our students are fully supported to achieve academic success and are well equipped for the world of work. We will work with businesses to be more employer focused and to ensure that our research grows, informing our teaching and changing practices. Our plan is an ambitious one; we hope you enjoy reading it and ask for your support on our journey towards achieving it.
Vice-Chancellor
