The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education launched its new academic plan this week with a townhall presentation by Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, who gave a brief overview of the 2022 – 2027 plan, highlighting key priorities and objectives.
Aptly called Transformation in Motion, the plan reflects the Faculty’s commitment to movement – through physical activity, sport, exercise, dance or play – as central to the health and well-being of individuals, communities and society at large.
“The explicit inclusion of physical education, physical activity and sport as key enablers in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals illustrates just how essential the benefits of movement are to our lives,” said Kerr. “Our Faculty, with its mandate to deliver academic and co-curricular programs, is well positioned to provide knowledge, leadership and opportunities to advance these goals.”
Thanking more than 500 students, staff, faculty, alumni and external partners, who contributed their insights, vision and wisdom to the plan, Kerr affirmed the Faculty’s continued commitment to the mission of developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health, and presented a refined vision of: excellence in advancing healthy living through inclusive movement.
From this vision, four strategic priorities emerged, said Kerr:
• Elevating health and well-being;
• Igniting transformative inclusivity;
• Fostering innovation, discovery and achievement; and
• Activating partnerships and collaborations.
Guiding the Faculty’s goals, objective and actions will be the following set of principles:
• Equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging;
• Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;
• Integrity in all decisions and actions;
• Leadership in education, research and governance; and
• Excellence in all areas of well-being, discovery, innovation and collaboration.
“The importance of our field has never been greater and we have significant contributions to make,” said Kerr. “I look forward to continuing on this bold and exciting journey with you all, as we realize our collective vision of excellence in advancing health through inclusive movement.
“Let’s get moving!” Kerr concluded, with her signature motto.