ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´

Academic Governance Changes:  

On the recommendation of Senate, the Board approved several academic governance changes to strengthen program sustainability and governance effectiveness: 

• Programs in the Institute of African Studies will be governed by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies effective July 1, 2026. This change responds to low enrolment and limited faculty resources, and is intended to provide stronger administrative support and governance oversight while maintaining African Studies’ distinct research identity and activities.  

• Programs in Canadian Studies will be governed by the School for Studies in Art and Culture effective July 1, 2026. This change addresses declining enrolment and faculty capacity, while ensuring the continuation of high-demand courses and the protection of graduate programming through enhanced administrative support and integration with related disciplines.  
• The Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies will be renamed the School of Interdisciplinary Studies effective July 1, 2026. This change supports the integration of African Studies as a sub-unit, while preserving its identity as an institute and enabling a more coherent governance structure within the FacultyÌýof Arts and Social Sciences.Ìý

Towards ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100 â€“ A Vision for Our Second Century  

The Board received an update on the Towards ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100 strategic visioning process, which will guide the university’s priorities as it approaches its centennial in 2042. The initiative was launched in March 2026, with broad community engagement and the establishment of five thematic working groups. Current work includes environmental scans and early identification of system-level trends and opportunities. Upcoming milestones include continued engagement through 2026, with a draft strategic plan targeted for Board review in 2027. Read more.

Reports from the Chair 2025-2026 

Board Chair Beth Creary reflected on the achievements and challenges of the past year in the 2025-26 Chair’s Annual Report, which is now available. The report offers a comprehensive overview of significant change across the post-secondary sector and underscores the Board’s focus on governance, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.  

President’s ReportÌý
The Board received theÌýPresident’s Annual Report,Ìýhighlighting a year of resilience,Ìýinnovation and impact across the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community.

While acknowledging the multiple challenges that the University is navigating and the need for continuing efforts to address them, the report also outlines numerous accomplishments that demonstrate the strength and adaptability of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community.

The University advanced its academic mission through new program offerings and expanded experiential learning, and by strengthening research excellence and global partnerships. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ also deepened its commitments to sustainability, inclusion and well-being through enhanced supports, equity-focused initiatives, and sector-leading environmental efforts.

These achievements reflect the strength and adaptability of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community.  

2026-2027 Board Appointments 

The Board approved a number of governance and membership appointments and welcomed seven new members.  

• New Community-at-Large Appointments: Mita Meyers and Johanna Lim were approved for three-year terms (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029).  

• Renewals: Howard Babb and Jim Devoe were approved for second terms ending June 30, 2029.  

• Board Leadership: Christina Tessier was approved to continue as Chair, and Beth Creary as Past-Chair for the 2026/27 Board year.  

• Student Governors: Jacky Chan, Caroline Ayebale, Nadine Simpson, and Declan Ramsaran were approved as undergraduate and graduate representatives for one-year terms.  

• Administrative Staff Representative: Sarah Anne Szabototh was approved for a three-year term ending June 30, 2029.  

Modernized Standing Committee Terms of Reference 

Updated Terms of Reference for all six Board standing committees were approved following a comprehensive review led by the Governance Committee, informed by sector benchmarking and extensive consultation. 

Looking Ahead for 2026/2027 

In her remarks, the Chair noted that, as the Board looks ahead to the coming year, it remains committed to strengthening ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s governance, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, and contributing meaningfully to the development of the Towards ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100 strategic vision. This work will help position the University to navigate an increasingly complex environment while advancing its academic mission and impact.

The Chair indicated that governors are approaching the year with a strong sense of confidence in ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s future because the University is supported by a dedicated and resilient community, and by leadership that is deeply committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. She said, together, they will continue to build on ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s strengths and shape a shared vision that supports student success, research impact, and meaningful engagement with our communities.

On behalf of the Board, the Chair extended sincere thanks to members of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community for their continued commitment, engagement, and contributions, noting that it is through this collective effort that ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ will continue to grow, adapt, and thrive in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
Beth Creary
Chair, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University Board of Governors