During the ECU Connect sessions, Professor Pollock explained that at the centre of this Plan is connection.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) staff came together at Joondalup, South West, City Campus and through an online session this month for a series of ECU Connect events exploring the University's new Strategic Plan 2026–2031, Connecting to make a difference.
For the first time, a town hall-style session was hosted in the foyer of City Campus, reflecting the University's future-focused vision and creating a vibrant, open space for conversation, connection and shared ambition as staff engaged directly with ECU's future direction.
Hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock and members of ECU's Executive, the sessions explored how ECU can break down silos and work together in new and innovative ways to strengthen its impact for students, industry and the wider community.
The Strategic Plan sets the direction for ECU's next chapter and reflects the confidence, ambition and sense of purpose that define the University today. It captures who ECU is, what it stands for, and how it will continue to transform lives and enrich society through education, research, innovation and meaningful community connection.
At the centre of the Plan is a focus on connection, between people, ideas, disciplines, campuses and communities, recognising that ECU's greatest impact is achieved through collective effort and collaboration.
The Plan also reinforces ECU's role as a future-focused university that works closely with industry, government and community to help address the challenges and opportunities shaping Western Australia and the world.
During the discussions, Professor Pollock said the success of the Plan would ultimately be shaped by ECU's people.
"A Strategic Plan is only words on paper unless our people bring it to life," Professor Pollock said.
"At the heart of this Plan is connection. Connection between people, ideas, disciplines, campuses and communities. Our greatest impact comes when we work together, learn from one another and combine our strengths to make a difference."
Professor Pollock said the Plan is grounded in ECU's strategic threads of equity, culture, collaboration and sustainability, which will guide the University's priorities, decision-making and ways of working in the years ahead.
Across the sessions, members of the Executive spoke with staff about what the strategy means for their portfolios and how it will shape future priorities, opportunities and collaboration across the University. Staff also had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly in conversations about ECU's future and the role each person plays in bringing the strategy to life.
The sessions reinforced that delivering the ambitions of the Strategic Plan will be a shared effort across the entire University community, underpinned by a strong sense of belonging, purpose, collaboration and connection.
Anyone interested in learning more about ECU's future direction can explore the Strategic Plan 2026-2031: Connecting to make a difference.
