Towards Western at 150 / Progress

Progress on Western’s Strategic Plan

Since we launched Towards Western at 150, we've seen bold ideas come to life – from world-class research to teaching and learning that is empowering a new generation of leaders. Thank you to our community for your passion and dedication. Together we’ve achieved remarkable results through a focused, collaborative effort.

Greater Impact
People, Community, and Culture
Western’s Place in the World

Download Key Highlights (2mb, PDF)

Greater Impact

Growing our community and capacity. Transforming research, teaching, and the student experience.

18%

increase in enrolment

19.4%

increase in annual research funding

$1 billion

All in campaign launched

Key highlights

created 20 new academic programs
increased annual research funding by 19.4% to a record $315M (2024/25)
advanced our signature research institutes and core facilities
added 49 new research chairs: 1 Canada Excellence Research Chair, 29 Canada Research Chairs, 19 endowed chairs.
built or transformed six signature spaces on campus
welcomed hundreds of Brescia students, faculty and staff
implemented Brightspace Learning Management System (12,000+ courses, 40,000+ learners)
transformed 98 teaching and academic spaces with new classroom technologies
introduced AI learning and opportunities across research, teaching and operations

Success Stories

Canada Excellence Research Chair Robyn Klein

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Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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New Generative AI Teaching Fellows

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People, Community, and Culture

Equity and inclusion. Advancing Reconciliation. A sense of belonging.

$2.46 million

per year in scholarships & bursaries for equity-deserving groups

projects funded through the Parr Centre for Thriving

55,515

completions of EDI learning modules

Key highlights

recognized through top employer rankings – Forbes list for Diversity and Company Culture & Southwestern Ontario Top Employer 2024 & 2025
facilitated training for 2,000 staff and leaders through the Operational Excellence & Leadership Development programs
expanded community connection and enhanced sense of belonging for staff, faculty, students and alumni
Launched Office of EDI and EDIDA Strategic Plan
increased faculty diversity through hiring clusters and meeting our Canada Research Chair requirements
established the Wampum Learning Lodge as an Indigenous-led hub for learning and community engagement

Success Stories

Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying (Sharing our Gifts) Indigenous Learning Bundles

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Staff and Leader Learning Days

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Western sets national example with campus-wide sexual violence prevention

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Western’s Place in the World

Strengthening ties globally and locally. Building sustainability. Telling our story.

~5,000

students/year participate in project-based learning with local organizations

61.54%

increase in international media coverage over past 3 years

34%

reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 2005 baseline)

Key highlights

strengthened local partnerships with the city, region, industry, government, hospitals, and community organizations
launched Western in the World global engagement plan
created Western International College
developed Western’s Toronto space (opening in 2026)
ranked 14th globally and third in Canada for sustainable development
achieved Gold STARS rating meeting new, rigorous global standards for sustainability in higher education
preparing to launch a new Climate and Sustainability Strategy in 2026