Changes to SFU's Community Engagement & Dialogue organizational structure

SFU has a long history of deep, meaningful connection with community. We are proud of this history. Community engagement is a significant part of who we are at SFU. 

In 2024, under the guidance of a new strategic plan for the university, we began to consider how community engagement is supported at SFU.

• We moved several existing units that support community engagement to report to the Provost, under one senior leader.
  
• We conducted a review to consider alignment with the academic purpose of the university, increase coordination, consolidate reporting and seek efficiencies.
  
• We learned more about models at other universities, including the relative size of community engagement functions.

At the same time, the university continued to experience budget challenges beyond our control, which means we must look for opportunities that ensure financial sustainability while delivering on our vision. With these contexts and inputs in mind, SFU has made the decision to move towards a consolidated organizational model for Community Engagement & Dialogue.

To support this change, we have made some difficult decisions. Effective today, we are closing the community engagement offices at both Surrey and Vancouver campuses. As a result of these closures, a number of positions have been eliminated. We thank each of the individuals for their many valuable contributions.

We recognize that this decision has an impact on our team, members of the academic community and community partners. We have plans in place to mitigate these impacts. Community engagement support for Surrey and Vancouver campuses will continue through the Community Engagement & Dialogue team, which will bring scholars and society together on critical debates and help enhance the capacity of SFU educators, researchers, administrators and learners to lead and participate in meaningful dialogue. The Community Engaged Research Initiatives (CERi) will continue to provide research infrastructure and support, and the Knowledge Mobilization team will assist in disseminating the work of SFU scholars. 

This new mandate and supporting organizational structure will ensure we continue to hold important societal conversations and ensure a vibrant and mutually beneficial connection between SFU and our communities.