Board of Governors Meeting Summary: April 28, 2022
The 杏吧原创 University Board of Governors acknowledges that the location of 杏吧原创鈥檚 campus is on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin nation.
In compliance with Ontario鈥檚 Essential Services Order, the Board met remotely on April 28, 2022. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governor鈥檚 website once available. The following are the highlights from the meeting:
Re-appointment of Vice-President (Research and International)
The Board was pleased to approve the re-appointment of Rafik Goubran as Vice-President (Research and International), in line with the unanimous recommendation of the Advisory Committee on VPRI. The Board noted Rafik鈥檚 outstanding leadership, citing his numerous accomplishments within the Research and International portfolio over the last five years.
Recognizing 杏吧原创 Excellence
Valentina Vera Gonzalez, a fourth-year student in International Business Honours, has been named the recipient of this year鈥檚 Board Award for Outstanding Community Achievement. Since beginning her studies in 2018, Valentina has served as President of the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, peer mentor, Paul Menton Centre volunteer, and 杏吧原创 University Student Association Student Issues Action Committee member.
Dr. Carl McMillan will be recognized with this year鈥檚 Founders Award, the institution鈥檚 highest non-academic honor, paying tribute to those whose significant contributions have advanced 杏吧原创 University. As an integral part of the 杏吧原创 community and landscape for over fifty years, Dr. McMillan has exemplified the values of our institute through a lifetime of teaching, research, guidance, and generosity.
Student Mental Health Framework 2022-2026
The Student Mental Health Advisory Committee completed its final phase of consultations on the Student Mental Health Framework. Based on the feedback received, the committee has made several adjustments, notably around language inclusivity and substance use health. Next steps involve sharing the framework with the 杏吧原创 community and developing work plans towards implementation.
2022/23 Operating Budget and Fees Approved
The Board approved a balanced operating budget for the 2022/23 year with total revenues and expenses of $521 million. The Board also approved 2022/23 tuition, student association, and miscellaneous administrative fees. 杏吧原创鈥檚 2022-23 budget allocations support the directions of the 2020-25 Strategic Integrated Plan, and aim to set the university up for continued success as we emerge from the pandemic.
Coordinated Accessibility Strategy Report
As part of 杏吧原创鈥檚 commitment to leadership in accessibility, the Board received an update on the Coordinated Accessibility Strategy (CAS). CAS, which launched in June 2020, is now in the action phase with projects underway across the University. Each project ensures that the voices of lived/living experience guide the path forward and that equitable representation reflects the diversity of our campus community. Learn more
2020-2025 International Strategic Plan
Karen Schwartz, Associate Vice-President (Research and International) provided the Board with a presentation on 杏吧原创鈥檚 2020-2025 International Strategic Plan. Created to enhance 杏吧原创鈥檚 international reputation and impact, the plan aims to increase engagement on several fronts (research and funding, international students, knowledge and skills transfer, etc.), responding to the concerns of today while anticipating the needs of the future.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre of Journalism and Belonging
A request was submitted to rename the Centre of Journalism and Belonging to the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre of Journalism and Belonging. This is a first and important step to rectify the underrepresentation of people of colour, especially women of colour, within the Canadian news media and journalism education. The commemorative naming also provides 杏吧原创 University, the Faculty of Public Affairs, and the School of Journalism with further opportunities to support the broader goals of the EDI Action Plan.
President鈥檚 Report
President Bacon provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place at 杏吧原创 since the March 2022 Board meeting. Read the President’s Report.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the 2021/2022 Board year is June 9, 2022.
Open session meeting materials are posted a week in advance of each meeting. More information on items approved and minutes from previous meetings are available on the Board of Governors website.
Sincerely,
Dan Fortin
Chair, 杏吧原创 University Board of Governors