Institutional Values Development

Under Forward Together: The University of Alberta People Strategy, we have committed to developing formal, institutional values. 

The university community has offered extensive input on its values through several consultation processes and a number of our institutional plans include principles and values. We want to build on this work. 

In consultations on the People Strategy, the university community linked values to priorities like establishing supportive environments, building a sense of community and belonging, strengthening relationships and collaboration, and fostering trust and respect.

Organizational values

An organization’s values are the principles and beliefs that guide its actions, decisions, and culture. Values reflect what an organization stands for and how it aspires to interact with its community, stakeholders, and the world. 

Values are a cornerstone for building a sense of belonging and connection and provide a lens to guide the university in priority setting and decision-making over the long term.

What do organizational values look like?

Values are typically concise and direct – a few keywords or phrases easily understood and embraced across the institution. 

Organizational values also tend to be:

  • Authentic to the institution (reflecting its history, mission and aspirations)
  • Relevant across the organization, over the long term
  • Action-oriented (i.e. can be reflected in our actions)

Get involved

Engagement and guidance from our vibrant and thoughtful community members are crucial to developing long-term values with meaning, impact and resonance. Building on the work done during the People Strategy consultations, we invite you to join us in a dynamic “values lab,” in person or online. These interactive sessions will:

  • Provide a platform for open and meaningful dialogue about the values most important to our university community.
  • Facilitate collaborative discussions to shape core values that reflect our collective identity and aspirations.
  • Empower you to play a direct role in defining the principles that will guide the University of Alberta's future.
Please note: The in-person values labs are designed to be drop-in style and only take about 30 minutes to complete. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the themes from various strategic plans in advance, available in this background documentPDF.

Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we embark on this vital process. Join us in this collaborative effort to establish a strong foundation of shared values to propel the U of A Forward Together.

In-person values labs:

Virtual values lab:

  • via Zoom: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 10 - 11 a.m.

Register nowGoogle Form open in a new tab

If you are unable to attend a values lab or want to provide written feedback, use the Institutional Values Development feedback form open in a new tab to share your thoughts and suggestions. Responses will be accepted until April 11, 2025.