Strategic planning
The University’s strategic plan 2018-23 at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation/strategic-plan-2018-23 sets out the commitments and priorities for the planning period under five key themes: Education; Research; People; Engagement and Partnership; and Resources. Each year, as part of the annual planning process, Divisions and Faculties are asked to set out their own strategic priorities and associated financial plans over the next five years. This exercise is jointly facilitated by the Humanities Financial Controller, Head of Humanities Administration and Head of Humanities Strategic Planning and Projects.
Major capital planning
The new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is the major capital project underway in the Division. It is made possible by a £150 million landmark gift. The Schwarzman Centre will serve as a dynamic hub dedicated to the humanities. For the first time in the University’s history, Oxford’s programmes in English; history; linguistics, philology and phonetics; medieval and modern languages; music, philosophy; and theology and religion will be housed together in a space designed to encourage experiential learning and bold experimentation through cross-disciplinary and collaborative study. The Schwarzman Centre will also be home to Oxford’s new Institute for Ethics in AI which will lead the study of the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and other new computing technologies. The building will include performing arts and exhibition venues designed to engage the Oxford community and the public at large, and bring new audiences to campus. The key contact in the Divisional Office is the Head of Major Capital Projects.
Minor capital planning
The University operates a gathered field exercise for capital planning across the University. Each Division submits a prioritised list of academic strategic objectives that have capital/space implications; this translates into a prioritised list of capital projects. The list is normally reviewed and updated every year. The key contact in the Divisional Office is the Head of Strategic Planning and Projects.
Other annual planning exercises
The Divisional Office works closely with faculties to complete a number of other annual planning exercises.
- Programme Data exercise – This is the annual review of faculties’ teaching contributions to courses; of particular importance where more than one faculty or department contributes to the teaching of a course. This takes place in late summer/early Michaelmas Term and is facilitated by the Humanities Education Support team.
- Student Number Planning – This is the annual review of student intake targets. This exercise is typically launched around the middle of Michaelmas Term, and is facilitated by the Humanities Education Support team.
- Reviewing and setting tuition fees - This is the annual review of course fees. THis takes place across Michaelmas and Hilary Term, and is facilitated by the Head of Humanities Strategic Planning and Projects.
