Challenge Accepted: The Sequel 2021-22 Annual Report

Message from the Board Chair and President

In another year dominated by the pandemic, we are proud that Seneca continued in 2021-22 to innovate, grow and exceed our goals – all the while delivering on our core mission of providing great career-based education to a record number of students from around the corner and around the world.

As Canada’s largest provider of polytechnic education, we continued to provide leadership across the country. On Friday, June 18, 2021, Seneca announced that we would be requiring anyone coming on campus to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Seneca was the first postsecondary institution in Canada to implement a comprehensive vaccination policy. It would be months before others would follow. For us, this decision was the obvious next step to keep the Seneca community safe during the pandemic once vaccines became widely available. It was also a decision that received national attention and kudos from the public health community.

During another year clouded by successive waves of COVID-19, new variants and horrific human, economic and social costs, Seneca persevered. We slowly and safely brought more students back to campus who had required in-person learning activities. We set and achieved milestones related to the three pillars of Au Large. And we saw record enrolment numbers, thanks to the dedication and creativity of our faculty and staff, who supported and inspired our students from around the world virtually and in person.

When recruiting, we tell students “Now is Your Time.” To be lifelong learners. To be engaged members of society. To lead. Time and again, they demonstrate their willingness to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals and contribute to our economy and our communities. Their stories inspire our work each day.

Finally, we watched with horror and disbelief as the violent events unfolded in Ukraine. Our community has responded generously to the humanitarian needs of those in and displaced from that country under siege, while supporting our international students affected by the conflict.

In the 2021-22 Annual Report, you will see the latest results of our shared efforts to build the equitable Seneca, the sustainable Seneca, the more virtual Seneca — renewed and infused with innovation and ambition.

Our work to reach these goals continues.