The Carleton University Board of Governors met on March 28, 2019. Dan Fortin, Vice-Chair, acted as Chair of the Board at the meeting. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are highlights:
Carleton Mourns the Loss of Prof. Pius Adesanmi and Alumnus Peter DeMarsh
On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to provide our sincere condolences to all those impacted by the tragic loss of Prof. Pius Adesanmi and alumnus Peter DeMarsh, both who were passengers on the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed on March 10.
In times like this, community is our greatest strength and the outpour of sympathies reflects not only Pius’s and Peter’s deep impacts, but also Carleton’s unity and ability to come together in times of need.
Our thoughts continue to be with the families, friends and loved ones of all those impacted by this tragic accident.
Investing in Engineering Student Experience through new Design Centre
The Board approved the design and construction of a new Engineering Student Design Center. The new facility will provide Engineering and Design students with a space for hands on, experiential learning that emulates a real world industry environment. Through much consultation, the green space next to parking lot R4 (on Library Road) was selected as the appropriate site to add the centre as an extension to the northern face of the 3rd block of the Mackenzie Engineering Complex. Construction is expected to commence in January 2020.
Domestic Tuition Fees Reduced by 10 per cent
The Board approved the university’s 2019/20 tuition fees. In line with Ontario’s new Tuition Fee Framework for colleges and universities, all domestic tuition fees will be reduced by 10 per cent and will be held until 2021. The tuition reduction implemented by the Province will result in a $20M reduction in revenue (4 per cent of operating budget) to the university.
Economics Student Dedicated to Peer Support Awarded Board Top Honour
With great pleasure, the Board approved Frohan Foroutan as the recipient of this year’s Board of Governors Award for Outstanding Community Achievement.
Frohan, an international economics student, has contributed immensely to Carleton both in terms of academics and volunteerism, all in her fourth language. For the better part of a decade, Frohan has mentored, coached, taught, tutored and guided her peers to academic success through a variety of programs on campus including the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities, Enriched Support Program, First Year Connections and Bounce Back Program.
The Outstanding Community Achievement Award includes a $2,000 bursary which will be officially presented at June Convocation where Frohan will be graduating, first in her family, with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) with a double concentration in Economic Theory and Mathematics and Quantitative Economics.
President Reports on 2019 so far
President Bacon provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place throughout the university since the November Board meeting. You can access the report on the President’s website.
Presentation on Collective Bargaining Goals and Perspectives
A presentation on Collective Bargaining Goals and Perspectives was provided by Peter Simpson, a senior labour relations mediator who leads the Labour Relations Solution Division at Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, and who previously worked at the Canadian Association of University Teachers. Simpson compared and contrasted the bargaining goals and perspectives of unions, universities and government.
Ancillary Budget Projects $1.4M Surplus
The Board approved the Ancillary Budget for 2019/20. This includes Physical Recreation and Athletics, The Bookstore, Health and Counselling Services, Housing & Residence Life, Conference Services, Dining Services, Parking Services, The University Centre, The Print Shop, and the Carleton (Dominion Chalmers) Performance Centre. The Ancillary Budget outlined a total revenue of $69.1M, operating expenses of $47.7M and $21M earmarked for renovations/debt reductions.
Community Generosity Surpasses $300M Campaign Goal
Carleton has officially surpassed the $300-million goal of its Collaborate Campaign. As of March, the campaign total is $305,265,350 with a total fiscal of $21,396,362. The Board looks forward to celebrating this great achievement and are thankful for the exceptional generosity of more than 25,000 donors and partners.
Board Endorses Free Speech Policy
Betina Appel Kuzmarov, Clerk of Senate, outlined the consultation and development process for the Freedom of Speech Policy which was approved by Senate on Nov. 30, 2018. The Board unanimously endorsed the policy and thanked the Senate for their work in developing the policy.
2018 Annual Report on Sexual Violence Presented
Bailey Reid, Equity Advisor and Coordinator of Sexual Assault Services, presented background on the 2018 Annual Report on Sexual Violence. Over the last year (Jan. to Dec. 2018), Carleton increased its training numbers by 150 per cent and also saw a similar proportion of increased disclosures. The number of disclosures received can be indicators of successful awareness campaigns and high levels of trust in the supports on campus. Prevention, education and measurement remain elements of focus for the year ahead. Carleton continues to be committed to addressing sexual violence on campus.
Next Meeting
The next Board of Governors meeting is April 25, 2019.
Sincerely,
Dan Fortin
Vice- Chair, Carleton University Board of Governors
To learn more about the Carleton University Board of Governors, including membership, meeting schedule and official minutes, visit carleton.ca/boardofgovernors