As Xavier University journeys toward its centennial milestone, the community continues to engage in a deliberate and reflective process of institutional discernment. A series of strategic planning activities conducted in October 2025 and January 2026 marked significant milestones in shaping the University’s future that remains deeply rooted in its Jesuit mission and responsive to the signs of the times.
These activities form part of a continuing strategic planning process that began at the start of AY 2025-2026, aimed at discerning and shaping Xavier Ateneo’s strategic, sustainable, and mission-driven direction in faithful service to its educational apostolate.
Strengthening Mission-Driven Strategy
Held from 7 to 8 October 2025, Steps 2 and 3 of the Centennial Strategic Planning focused on deepening clarity of purpose and ensuring that institutional strategies are grounded in Xavier University’s identity as a Jesuit, Filipino and Catholic university.
The two-day session in October 2025 invited administrators into a reflective and analytical process of revisiting Xavier University’s Vision and Mission Statements and University Development Goals, affirming their continued relevance amid changing educational and societal contexts. Guided by the relevant contemporary trends and the results of the environmental scan and stakeholder analysis presented during the first step of the strategic planning activity, participants discerned institutional strategies that respond to both opportunities and challenges, identified areas for strategic niching and competitive positioning, and articulated strategic-level key performance indicators (KPIs) as concrete expressions of the University’s mission in action.
Consolidating Commitment and Shared Responsibility
The strategic planning process continued with Step 4, held from 26 to 27 January 2026. Led by Xavier University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, together with University administrators, the two-day session marked a pivotal moment of institutional convergence and shared commitment, and emphasized the call to move from discernment to action.
The sessions began with a special President’s Council Meeting that provided space for dialogue, discernment, and affirmation of the strategic objectives and KPIs. The meeting also focused on strengthening governance and accountability structures, underscoring shared responsibility and stewardship in carrying out the mission.
The meeting was followed by broader engagement with key middle-level administrators whose work is vital to the execution of the University Strategic Plan. Participants worked collaboratively to develop and prioritized strategic action plans that translate institutional objectives into clear initiatives that can be meaningfully cascaded to clusters and units.
Continuing the Journey
The strategic planning activities of October 2025 and January 2026 reflect Xavier University’s commitment to a discernment-led, participatory, and mission-centered approach to planning. As the University prepares for its centennial, these milestone sessions affirm a collective resolve to remain faithful to its Jesuit educational mission of forming persons for others, responding to emerging realities, and shaping a future marked by excellence.
photos from the XU Communications and Promotions Office