McMaster University has introduced its new strategic plan, Bolder Together, an ambitious and community-driven roadmap that will shape our university’s future and strengthen its impact in Hamilton and around the world.
President Susan Tighe called Bolder Together an action plan.
“We are innovators and creators of new knowledge at McMaster and this plan defines success by the reach and application of what we discover and create,” said Tighe.
“I am very grateful to the thousands of faculty, staff, students, graduates, partners and other members of the McMaster community who shared their ideas and insights, and for helping shape our plan.”
‘Act boldly, care deeply, and lead with purpose’ — A message from President Susan Tighe
The strategic plan, which was shared at McMaster’s Senate and received approval from the Board of Governors on June 11, will guide the university’s priorities and decision-making over the coming years, providing a united vision for advancing teaching, learning, research and community impact.
President Susan Tighe, chair of the Strategic Oversight Committee leads a meeting in May 2026 where the draft strategic plan was reviewed. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
The development of Bolder Together was led by McMaster’s Strategic Planning Team (SPT), which was responsible for coordinating consultations, gathering input and managing the day-to-day work of drafting the plan.
SPT members worked closely with the Strategic Oversight Committee, which was chaired by McMaster’s president. This group with broad representation provided guidance and helped ensure that perspectives from across McMaster were reflected throughout the process.
“This was an intentionally inclusive process from the beginning,” said Sue McCracken, co-chair of the Strategic Planning Team and chair for the Accounting and Financial Management Services Area in the DeGroote School of Business.
“We heard consistently about the importance of academic excellence, student success, research impact and that McMaster is a collection of communities. Those priorities are reflected throughout the final plan.”
Co-chair Nancy McKenzie, director, strategic planning in the Office of the President, said the process emphasized the importance of connecting institutional priorities with the university’s long-term sustainability and ability to respond to change.
“The conversations we had throughout this process reinforced how much people care about McMaster’s future,” McKenzie said. “This plan provides a strong foundation for continued innovation and collaboration while ensuring we remain focused on serving our students, communities and broader society.”
“Students wanted to see a plan that reflects both ambition and accountability,” said Mariam Saleem, president and CEO of the McMaster Students Union and a member of the Strategic Oversight Committee.
“Bolder Together recognizes the importance of student voices and creates a shared direction that students from different backgrounds and experiences can be a part of.”
Faculty, staff, students and other McMaster community members attend the launch of the strategic planning consultations process at L.R. Wilson Hall on Jan. 14. A community panel with representation from across the university shared their vision for the strategic plan.
With the plan now approved, the university will begin the next phase of work focused on implementation. Faculties and administrative units will align their priorities and planning processes with the new institutional framework, while performance measures and reporting mechanisms will be developed to help track progress and outcomes.
Additional details about the strategic plan, including implementation timelines and supporting materials, will be shared with the community in the coming months, and an official launch event is being planned for Fall 2026.
As implementation begins, Bolder Together positions McMaster to build on its strengths, embrace new opportunities and shape a future defined by collaboration, discovery and impact.