The Blueprint: Ayurvedic Education Innovation for the Future.

The strategic pillars of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine are the bedrock of our five-year strategic plan. Each goal within this plan aligns with at least one of these pillars, embodying our comprehensive vision for the future, while many objectives are supported by multiple pillars for a holistic approach. 

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YVIAM Strategic Pillars

 

The Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine’s Strategic Planning Committee was tasked with formulating a resilient and forward-thinking five-year strategy. This crucial developmental phase occurred during Q12024, engaging members of our entire community—students, staff, and faculty—through focus groups. These groups provided indispensable insights that greatly influenced our strategic direction.

From these discussions, a qualitative analysis identified three primary themes reflecting the collective values and challenges of our community. These themes guided the establishment of our strategic pillars, focusing on enhancing the quality and integrity of our academic programs, our commitment to holistic health and wellness, inclusivity and accessibility in Ayurvedic education, and maintaining transparency across all institutional operations. These pillars are designed to fortify our dedication to providing a transformative educational experience, ensuring student success, and making Ayurvedic medicine education more accessible and affordable, all while upholding our core values of integrity and transparency.

Academic Excellence

Fostering innovation through curriculum design and rigorous pedagogy, the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine commits to investing in our faculty and academic programs. Over the next five years, we will evolve our academic offerings to meet the current and future needs of the Ayurvedic medicine community. As a pioneering institution in Ayurvedic education, our programming is designed to attract and nurture the next generation of Ayurvedic Medicine Practitioners, empowering their academic and professional development in this ancient yet ever-relevant field of holistic health.  Through these commitments, we aim to not only maintain but elevate the standard of education and community within the field of Ayurvedic medicine.

Student Success 

The Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine is dedicated to fostering student success and greatness by addressing the academic, social, professional, and emotional needs of our students. By refining our recruitment and enrollment processes with purpose and clarity, we aim to enhance retention and ensure smooth academic progression for every student. We are committed to providing exceptional academic and support services, ensuring that all students benefit from a holistic and world-class educational experience in Ayurvedic medicine. This commitment reflects our dedication to not only educating future Ayurvedic practitioners but also supporting them on their journey to becoming well-rounded, successful individuals in the field of holistic health.

Financial Expertise

Embracing excellence in operational practices, the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine is committed to inclusivity, efficiency, and enhanced financial transparency. Our adherence to performance-based metrics stands as a pillar of institutional effectiveness, safeguarding the financial and operational health of our institute. We pledge to conscientious stewardship of financial resources and robust fundraising efforts, all structured around clear, strategic focuses. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of our core institutional priorities, alongside significant investments in enriching the experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.  Our commitment is to create a high standard of education within the field of Ayurvedic medicine.

About the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

 

The journey to establishing the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine began around a metaphorical kitchen table in 2014. Inspired by a deep-seated passion for holistic health and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Jacky Rae embarked on a mission to bring Ayurvedic education to the forefront. She recognized the transformative power of Ayurveda in promoting wellness and healing, yet found a significant gap in accessible, comprehensive Ayurvedic education within the community.

Determined to bridge this gap, Jacky faced numerous challenges, from financial hurdles to navigating the complexities of modern healthcare integration. Despite these obstacles, her commitment never wavered. Jacky’s extensive research and dedication laid the foundation for what would become a beacon of Ayurvedic learning.

Driven by a vision to cultivate skilled Ayurvedic practitioners, Jacky initiated a training program tailored to meet the needs of a modern audience while staying true to Ayurvedic traditions. This initiative led to the founding of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, evolving from a simple idea into a pioneering educational institution.

Embracing the potential of distance education, YVIAM was among the first to offer flexible, comprehensive online Ayurvedic studies. This approach enabled students worldwide to engage in academic and practical Ayurvedic learning within their own communities, significantly broadening the institute’s reach and impact.

Since its inception, the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine has grown into a distinguished institution, celebrated for its contribution to the global Ayurvedic community. Recognized for its commitment to high-quality education and clinical practice, the institute stands as a testament to Jacky Rae’s vision and perseverance. Today, it continues to empower students to explore the depths of Ayurvedic medicine, fostering a new generation of holistic health practitioners dedicated to healing and wellness.

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS

GOAL I:

Instructional Innovation

 

Our objective is to broaden the educational landscape for our students, catering to the rich diversity of their needs and aspirations.

Key Initiatives

 

  • Enhance Current Offerings: Commit to the ongoing enhancement and innovation of our course offerings, ensuring they remain stimulating, comprehensive, and rigorous.
  • Course and Program Development: Strategically develop and introduce new courses and programs across all programs to fill gaps and anticipate future educational needs.
  • Support System Expansion: Strengthen and broaden the existing support infrastructure to promote both didactic learning and clinical practice success among our student body.

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • New Course and Program Launches: Track the creation and implementation of new courses/programs as a tangible measure of our commitment to instructional innovation.
  • Enhanced Didactic Support Programs: Develop and implement additional support programs specifically designed to bolster didactic learning, aiming for measurable improvements in student outcomes.
  • Increased Success Indicators: Achieve and surpass all established success indicators as outlined in our Mission, Program Goals, and Assessment Plan, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement and student success.

 

Goal II:

Student Retention, Campus Engagement, & Connectivity

 

Enhance the vibrancy and inclusivity of our virtual campus culture and infrastructure to fulfill every student’s social and professional needs while fostering academic success.

Key Initiatives

 

  • Broaden Recruitment: Actively attract and recruit high-potential students from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds.
  • Support and Success Services: Implement highly effective interventions and support services to retain students, with a particular focus on those from traditionally marginalized communities.
  • Effective Organizational Structure: Maintain an organizational structure that supports effective administration and directly contributes to student success.
  • Enhanced Student Life Programming: Develop comprehensive student life programs that foster a deep, lifelong connection to the institution and its community.

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • Application Increase: Grow the number of applicants per term by 2028.
  • Alumni Engagement: Ensure that over 80% of alumni are still engaged in their field or a related area within five years of graduation.
  • Boosted Campus Participation: Increase active participation in campus activities among students.
  • Improved Retention Rate: Elevate student retention from 60% to 65% by 2028.
  • Completion Rate Goals: Achieve or surpass accreditation standards for student completion rates, targeting 40% of students to graduate within 150% of the program’s timeframe.
  • Graduation Rate Among Marginalized Populations: Increase the graduation rate among historically marginalized populations, demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

 

Goal III:

Expanding Access & Engagement

 

Our aim is to broaden our reach, attracting an exceptionally diverse student body and providing them with comprehensive access to the resources needed for success.

Key Initiatives

 

  • Foster a Virtual Community: Cultivate a strong sense of belonging and community within our virtual campus to support all students.
  • Financial Policy Reforms: Modify financial policies to lower barriers to education and promote positive financial experiences for students.
  • Unrestricted Academic and Campus Access: Guarantee that all students can fully utilize the Yoga Veda Institute’s academic offerings and campus life opportunities.
  • Establish a National Alumni Association: Create an association to connect graduates, fostering a lasting relationship between alumni and the institute.

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • Increased Graduation Rates: Elevate graduation rates among historically marginalized populations, affirming our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
  • Enhanced Community and Belonging: Strengthen the sense of community and belonging among students and faculty within our virtual campus environment.
  • Scholarship Expansion: Broaden the number of scholarship recipients, making our programs more accessible to a diverse student body.
  • Boosted Alumni Contributions: Increase contributions from alumni, demonstrating the lasting impact and value of a Yoga Veda Institute education and fostering a cycle of giving back to support future students.

 

 

Goal IV:

Operational Effectiveness & Employee Success

 

Advance the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine by adopting operational best practices to attract, retain, and develop top-tier employees dedicated to fostering student success and academic achievement.

Key Initiatives

 

  • Systemic Issue Resolution: Identify and address any systemic barriers to progress.
  • Operational Transformation: Leverage empowerment, data, and accountability to enhance institutional operations.
  • Competitive Compensation: Continue offering competitive wages that reflect the cost of living adjustments.
  • Benefits Evaluation and Expansion: Review and broaden the scope of employee benefits.
  • Payroll/Benefits Integration: Implement a cohesive payroll and benefits platform.
  • Transparent Financial Management: Showcase frugal management practices, including publishing an annual expense report and a detailed categorical expense breakdown.
  • Financial Resilience: Aim to maintain a six-month operational reserve, growing to a full year’s reserve by 2028.

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • Cost Analysis and Reporting: Generate comprehensive cost analysis reports.
  • Stakeholder Satisfaction Increase: Enhance satisfaction levels among all stakeholders.
  • Career Advancement Opportunities: Provide substantial career advancement and professional development options.
  • Equitable Work Environment: Foster and measure an equitable workplace through annual employee satisfaction surveys.
  • Reserve Goal Achievement: Secure one year of operational expenses in reserves by 2028.

 

 

Goal V:

External Partnerships & Institutional Advancement

 

Forge strategic alliances with corporate and civic organizations to address the multifaceted needs of our students and enhance the financial resilience of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine.

Key Initiatives

 

  • Establish Development Committee: Form a committee dedicated to development efforts, tasked with expanding our network and resources.
  • Cultivate Strategic Partnerships: Develop both financial and non-financial partnerships with organizations that align with our mission and can contribute to our students’ success.
  • Social Enterprise Ventures: Investigate the potential for creating a for-profit social enterprise to provide additional revenue streams in support of our educational mission.
  • Advance Institutional Infrastructure: Strengthen the institution’s capability to pursue and manage advancement opportunities effectively.

 

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • Boost Alumni Giving: Increase alumni contributions to account for 10% of scholarship funding, demonstrating strong community support and engagement.
  • Grow Unrestricted Funds: Achieve an increase in unrestricted funds, providing flexible resources to meet emerging needs and opportunities.
  • Yearly Funding Growth: Secure incremental funding on a year-over-year basis, reflecting the success and expansion of our development efforts.
  • Expand Educational Partnerships: Establish collaborative relationships with AAC Accredited schools and other institutions, enhancing our network and support system for students.

 

 

 

Goal VI:

Research, Innovation, & Professional Development

 

Elevate and enhance the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine’s academic distinction by pioneering innovative solutions in Ayurvedic education and addressing professional challenges through research and scholarly work.

 

Key Initiatives

 

  • Boost Research and Dissemination: Strengthen our research capabilities and encourage the sharing of knowledge through strategic partnerships across various disciplines, enhancing the innovation within Ayurvedic education and practice.
  • Program Expansion: Increase the scope and depth of our advanced-level programs, leading to a higher number of advanced certificates awarded.
  • Promote Creativity and Research: Foster an environment that supports staff and faculty in their pursuit of creativity, innovation, and excellence in research, complemented by extensive professional development opportunities.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Implement a system to acknowledge and reward staff and faculty achievements in research, publications, and expertise sharing, enhancing their professional growth.
  • Mentorship Program Enhancement: Enrich the existing faculty mentorship program to further support academic and professional development.
  • Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Develop a robust platform for disseminating Ayurvedic knowledge and contributions through modern mediums like podcasts, professional networking articles, and peer-reviewed journals.

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Achieve a significant increase in interdisciplinary collaborations and projects, fostering a rich, cooperative environment for innovation.
  • Active Research Participation: See a rise in engagement from staff, faculty, and students in research activities and knowledge sharing, enriching the academic community.
  • Professional Development Support: Provide additional resources and support for staff and faculty to participate in professional development activities, promoting lifelong learning and expertise.
  • Balanced Workload Management: Ensure a fair allocation of resources and workload for faculty, enabling them to balance teaching responsibilities with research, innovation, or academic dissemination efforts effectively.
  • Increased Research Funding: Secure more funding and resources dedicated to faculty and staff publishing research, reflecting the institution’s commitment to advancing Ayurvedic knowledge and practice.