Our Strategy
Operational as well as aspirational, our initial strategic plan recognizes the deep history of water at USask as well as the pressing societal need for sustainable water solutions that underpin strong economies, resilient communities, and environmental integrity.
View the full GIWS Strategic Plan 2025-2028 here:
Vision and Mission
Aligning with USask aspirations to be “the university that the world needs”:
Our Vision is a world where water is managed equitably and sustainably for protection and enhanced quality of life, strong economies, and healthy ecosystems.
Our Mission is to come together as a leading water community to deliver essential knowledge, tools, and future leaders in Saskatchewan, the prairies, Canada, and around the world through impactful research in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Values and Guiding Principles
GIWS is driven by:
- Excellence – through strong principles and values
- Strength – through inclusion, a transdisciplinary approach, and community and partner engagement
- Sustainability – through core funding and diverse revenue streams
It will achieve its mission through a commitment to the following values and a strong foundation of guiding principles.
Values:
- Transparency
- Manācihitowin (Respect one another)
- Reciprocity
- Accountability
- Humility
- Inclusion
Guiding Principles:
- Conduct inclusive, scholarly rigour & excellence
- Uphold & celebrate equity, diversity & inclusion
- Open communication
- Sustainable management of GIWS
- Work together across disciplines, knowledge systems, and jurisdictions
- Foster innovation
- Be strength-based & solutions-orientated towards sustainable water management
Strategic Priorities
- Research Excellence & Innovation
- Water Leadership
- Enhancing Impact
- Operational Excellence