The strategy builds upon the foundation laid during the pilot phase. While Circle U. has grown significantly since then, and the initiation of a new phase of the project, the focus remains steadfast: to transcend the limitations of a project and establish a sustainable alliance.
Complementarity
Laure Kesler, coordinator of the communications group for Circle U., highlights complementarity as a key concept guiding the strategy: "We recognise that our objectives must complement and enhance the existing strengths of our alliance. This includes a heightened focus on integrating Circle U. within the university experience."
Four objectives
The strategy aims at four objectives:
- Raise the awareness about Circle U.: We aim to inform our communities, current and future associated partners, and the general public about Circle U.'s mission, initiatives, and activities.
- Foster engagement with Circle U.: We seek to encourage and support our communities, partners, and the public to participate in Circle U.'s initiatives and activities when relevant.
- Integrate Circle U. within universities: We strive to make Circle U. an integral and embedded part of partner universities and their communities.
- Establish Circle U. as a role model: We are committed to engage meaningfully with other alliances, higher education institutions, stakeholders, and policymakers to establish Circle U. as a role model in higher education.
Coordinate
"Communication is collective work! If you’re working within Circle U., we encourage you to read the strategy and make sure you coordinate with the communications officers at your own institution about the activities you are working on. This way, we can ensure that our communication efforts are aligned and effective in advancing the goals of Circle U.," says Kesler.